I have a 1952 Ford F1 with a Flathead V8 and factory 3 speed Transmission on the Column. I am wanting to put an automatic transmission in it with column shifter. Please give me your opinion on what Ford Transmission I can use.

 

With a flathead, your most viable options are a vintage FordoMatic, a C4, or an AOD. The FordoMatic is a heavy iron-cased unit with only 2 forward gears and no overdrive. Not a great choice in my opinion, but probably the least expensive choice if you can find one since they were an option behind the flathead V8. I haven't ever measured to see what interference issues you might encounter with a FordoMatic and the original transmission crossmember, but some fab work of some kind will be necessary as it was never offered in a truck.

The C4 is easy to find, small, and light. It will fit in OK without cutting the original crossmember and I've seen some guys make some small modifications to actually get the rear mount bolted up to it. 3 forward gears, but no overdrive and it will require a pricey kit to mate up to the flathead.

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Flathead-V8-to-Ford-C4-Transmission-Basic-Adapter-Kit,11051.html?sku=91628901&utm_medium=CSEGoogle&u tm_source=CSE&utm_campaign=CSEGOOGLE&gclid=EAIaIQo bChMImsai49yf3wIVxbjACh1FJApiEAQYASABEgLJsPD_BwE

The AOD is easy to find also. A little heavier and larger than a C4, but it will give you a 4th gear overdrive. There will most definitely be interference with the transmission crossmember, so plan on cutting at least part of that out and building a reinforced crossmember to support the transmission and stabilize the frame rails. The AOD requires a throttle valve cable to be attached at the carburetor and properly adjusted to modulate line pressure. Some guys gnash their teeth and wring their hands over that detail, but I've set several up and never found it to be a big deal. You'll also need the kit I linked above to attach this one to a flathead. There is an all-electronic version of this transmission called the AOD-E or 4R70W. It would also make a good choice and would eliminate the need for the throttle valve cable, but you'll need to add a couple sensors to the engine and a $400+ transmission controller to make it work.

In any case, the original 3-on-the-tree shifter can be modified to shift nearly any automatic.

 

Thanks for the Info! This is exactly the answer I was looking for.

You da man BlueOvalRage!

 

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