Conversion to automatic
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New User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 3
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From: Glenside USA
Conversion to automatic
I have a 49 F1 with a flathead 289 and a 3-speed on the floor. I want to change to an automatic. There are two adapters, one from Flat-o-matic and the other from Speedway, that allow me to attach a c-4. Has anyone done this conversion and used either of these adapter kits (new flywheel, torque converter and bellhousing (adapter)), and can you give me feedback on whats involved???
Thank You
Thank You
New User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 24
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Conversion to automatic
I am also considering this conversion for my 48. I spoke with the guy at Flatomatic. He was really nice and went through all the details. You'll have to adapt or make your own rear crossmember and you'll need to modifiy your drive shaft. You MAY also need to remove your oil pan to get the old flywheel off. Some trucks are different. All in all with a new transmission and new shifter plan on spending around $2,000. The kit is $499 and shifter is $179, transmissions are around $750...
Good luck
Good luck
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,119
Likes: 2
From: Southern New Hampshire
Conversion to automatic
If you dont mind waiting until the estate gets settled try www.wilcap.com They have an adaptor for a 700R4 and that 4th gear OD is a pleasure on an old truck. Ive heard too many horror stories about adapting the Ford AOD Ive decided to go with the 700.
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 3
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From: Glenside USA
Conversion to automatic
IMAKNUCKLEBUSTER:
I purchased BOTH the Flat-O-Matic adapter and the Speedway kit. The Speedway kit (1,000) contains a totally rebuilt, one-year warranty C4. I plan on having this conversion done by New Years. I plan on photographing EVERY step and I will post it on a website and let you know. The plans from both kits are sort-of-vague (so many options), but for F1 owners I hope to let my experience do good.
You also need to mount a transmission cooler, and replace the speedometer cable and a kick-down cable for the C4 needs to be addded, which Lockar makes.
It seems that the stock transmission crossmember cannot be totally removed because it is the mounting support for the master cylinder and the brake/clutch assembly.
I purchased BOTH the Flat-O-Matic adapter and the Speedway kit. The Speedway kit (1,000) contains a totally rebuilt, one-year warranty C4. I plan on having this conversion done by New Years. I plan on photographing EVERY step and I will post it on a website and let you know. The plans from both kits are sort-of-vague (so many options), but for F1 owners I hope to let my experience do good.
You also need to mount a transmission cooler, and replace the speedometer cable and a kick-down cable for the C4 needs to be addded, which Lockar makes.
It seems that the stock transmission crossmember cannot be totally removed because it is the mounting support for the master cylinder and the brake/clutch assembly.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,119
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From: Southern New Hampshire
Conversion to automatic
Im no tranny expert for sure so Ive sought out those that do it for a living.
The AOD apparently is extremely fussy in the setup and can be fried in literally a few miles if the adjustment is off even a hair.
Sources besides my own local tranny guru (www.transmedic.com) are HAMB,RRT,MMC and other performance forums. I trust Andy at Transmedic, he has always been very upfront and his work has been flawless....Dynaflow, Jetaway, C6, competition TH400, etc that he has done for me over the years. This is not your usual tranny shop and his prices are actually reasonable!
Personally, I dont want to take that chance in a less than perfect.....I dont use a laser to align.....swap.
The AOD apparently is extremely fussy in the setup and can be fried in literally a few miles if the adjustment is off even a hair.
Sources besides my own local tranny guru (www.transmedic.com) are HAMB,RRT,MMC and other performance forums. I trust Andy at Transmedic, he has always been very upfront and his work has been flawless....Dynaflow, Jetaway, C6, competition TH400, etc that he has done for me over the years. This is not your usual tranny shop and his prices are actually reasonable!
Personally, I dont want to take that chance in a less than perfect.....I dont use a laser to align.....swap.
