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Hello, I am a new member here. I just picked up the 1965 Ford P-500.
It was hauled on a flatbed to my house because the brakes and clutch are bad. When driving it into the driveway I tried to get into reverse... Well it didn't catch, the clutch let out while in a forward gear and it pitched forward, and the Ford 300 died. The shifter now is completely loose and the transmission is stuck in a forward gear.
I think it is the np435 transmission.
So does anyone have suggestions?
At this point, if the transmission is toast I am considering an automatic. Is there anything worth considering? I want good fuel economy and the ability to haul and tow.
The shifter and top cover can be removed from your transmission. You will be able to get the transmission in neutral and get the shifter working again. Repair parts might be required but they are available. Your transmission code A indicates the NP435.
793347 = 1966 numerical series, December 1965 production
154 = 154 inch wheelbase
9 = Color code not found in MPC or '65 or '66 shop manual.
P500 = P500 gas, 15,000 lbs GVWR
88 = Not shown, but it's the walk in van body.
A = New Process model 435 transmission
42 = Rockwell D-100NXT single speed rear axle, 13,000 lbs capacity, 6.20 ratio
No front axle code, indicating standard Ford front axle.
71 = Los Angeles District Sales Office
Is that all there is--just the "71"?
As to usage, you will need to get it weighed empty to see what your tare weight is, then subtract that from 15,000 for payload. Be sure to allow for driver weight and all the other stuff besides cargo.
Towing? You can probably tow 1000 to 3500 lbs without too much trouble, but I'd be looking for trailer brakes over 1000 lbs, required or not. Hills will be miserable.
Fuel economy? 8 to 15, depending on tailwind.
What wheels does that have? Tubeless tires? I don't see a locking ring, so either tubeless or widowmakers.....
793347 = 1966 numerical series, December 1965 production
154 = 154 inch wheelbase
9 = Color code not found in MPC or '65 or '66 shop manual.
P500 = P500 gas, 15,000 lbs GVWR
88 = Not shown, but it's the walk in van body.
A = New Process model 435 transmission
42 = Rockwell D-100NXT single speed rear axle, 13,000 lbs capacity, 6.20 ratio
No front axle code, indicating standard Ford front axle.
71 = Los Angeles District Sales Office
Is that all there is--just the "71"?
As to usage, you will need to get it weighed empty to see what your tare weight is, then subtract that from 15,000 for payload. Be sure to allow for driver weight and all the other stuff besides cargo.
Towing? You can probably tow 1000 to 3500 lbs without too much trouble, but I'd be looking for trailer brakes over 1000 lbs, required or not. Hills will be miserable.
Fuel economy? 8 to 15, depending on tailwind.
What wheels does that have? Tubeless tires? I don't see a locking ring, so either tubeless or widowmakers.....
Wow thank you for all the details.. it all makes sense for what I am seeing.
The radiator leaks, anyone have a part number or know what I can use that fits? I removed it and can't find a part number.
I will see what I can do with flushing and cleaning the radiator and engine.
The exhaust is cracked so I need to replace it. I am leaning towards something like the headman headers.
Anyone have a good used exhaust and something like the offenhauser intake?
I can't wait to get this beast rolling well again.
If you can find a Offy intake good and header should help for power.
But if you want to keep the V1 carb look for EFI exh manifolds and factory Y pipe as that will help flow.
Dave ----
As much as I want to be a car guy and I do have some skills... I don't want to deal with a carburetor. I just want to turn the key and have it work. Also I understand the efi or TBI really will increase fuel economy.
