MTFCA Forum

Has anyone driven both a original Warford, and a modern one. I wonder about shifting, and getting stuck in neutral with a original type. I know the shift throw is longer, and original type are louder. I have a modern type in my speedster and love it. I also have several original aluminum original ones. How disappointed will I be with the original, or maybe I won't be.

Still need accessory brakes, you need to feel it so to say. No two originals act the same.

Hank

I have an original cast iron Warford in my ‘26 Tudor sedan and one in my ‘26 C Cab. Like Hank sez , ‘ no two originals act the same’. I don’t have accy brakes and, after developing a safe shifting technique, don’t feel I need them. Double clutching is the key. That said; I have a KC Warford in my ‘26 roadster and absolutely love it. Wife had to save up the egg money for 2 years to buy it tho’

A friend of mine had a really nice original aluminum case warford in one of his TT’s. Had some trouble shifting on the fly. Otherwise a great transmission. Bought a new synchronized warford and he said it drives like a dream. As Hank stated above, if you plan on driving with any kind of accessory trans you really need a set of auxiliary brakes.

Brad

With the original ones it's all about matching the RPMs. I don't use the clutch shifting my original alum but I can tell when I haven't driven it in a long time. I can tell you that they made those original gears out of is some Really Tough stuff! They can take a Lot of abuse and don't seem to mind it. I did get mine to stop leaking except for the shifter tower after a long freeway run. Maybe I have a bit too much gear oil? Take your time shifting especially down and you won't have any problems with neutral.

"after developing a safe shifting technique, don’t feel I need them". I wonder if Walt Rosenthal felt the same way?

Yep - first time you get it into neutral, you going to wish you had SOMETHING to assist in stopping ! From a cast iron 3 speed Warford owner.

I didn't mean to discount the need for Brakes. I have Four Wheel near period correct brakes!! Bennett at the rear and McNearny/Big Four up front.

That makes you more than special Steve! LOL