MTFCA Forum

I was watching Jay Leno's Garage and there was a Model T whose owner mentioned having added a Chicago 3-speed. I looked around and there appear to have been other manufacturers, as well. Are these expensive/hard to find?

Also wondering how they work. I realize that the 3-speed box is in addition to the original planetary 2-speed with its own lever but does that mean putting the 2 speed transmission in neutral while the three speed is shifted?

There were many options offered for the T back in the day that provided a direct, under and overdrive. I have had 2 Jumbo Giant units in previous T's, worked well for me. The Warford units are popular also. Keep in mind that if you plan to install one of these, consider adding accessory brakes to your car because in neutral you will have no way of stopping.

Yes... I feather the clutch into neutral with my left foot when I shift my original Warford

So the 3-speed box has neutral, as well?

I'm figuring front disc brakes would a necessity with this modification.

Commander_Chaos wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 13, 2020 10:52 am

So the 3-speed box has neutral, as well?

I'm figuring front disc brakes would a necessity with this modification.

Rock Mountain, AC, or the modern disc brake setup is all you need. Front brakes would take considerable re-enforcement of the front axle support system. I have the modern Layne Warford and it is great to have a real neutral to roll the car around or just when needed. http://www.laynemachine.com/index.html

Oh yeah, the Warford and Muncie have neutrals. But you don’t ever want to be in their neutrals while the T is underway. You’ll have no service brakes (T tranny)...By placing the T tranny in neutral, one can develop the technique of shifting the accy tranny without grinding gears.

And in addition to the sound of the belt going through the loops. learning what a razor strap is good for besides sharping a straight razor. Ax Me How I know!

Never had the pleasure of hearing the razor strap or the belt tearing through the belt loops. I am sure I felt the jolt of leather on my backside, but then my big sister taught me how to laugh when it smacks. After that, just seeing the belt in his hands was enough.

DHort wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 13, 2020 5:58 pm

Never had the pleasure of hearing the razor strap or the belt tearing through the belt loops. I am sure I felt the jolt of leather on my backside, but then my big sister taught me how to laugh when it smacks. After that, just seeing the belt in his hands was enough.

Anticipation is worse than the actual punishment !

The Warfords seem to be easiest to find. Someone mentioned the new Layne which is very nice. I normally never use the clutch when shifting. A little practice and you can sync the engine rpm to the tranny. The underdrive is great for slower driving like parades, driveways, trailer loading and residential areas under 20. I really like the OD which lowers the rpm for highway driving.
I have copies of the McNearny, Big Four original outside front brakes and Bennett outside brakes on the rear. You would be ok with any of the aftermarket Outside brakes especially if you have the late drums. The Early front axle only needs a double wishbone for safety. Should have one anyway if you plan to drive much. later cars are fine. I have seen a couple Very neat front wheel disc brakes which were small and looked ok but it's opinion.

I wouldn't have a Model T without a Warford if it's a daily type driver or for longer tours. You can find the older Alum ones quite often and very reasonable.