MTFCA Forum

I just signed up a short time ago but have been lurking for years here. I love T’s! I recently inherited a 26 or 27 engine with a 1937 Chevy transmission already adapted to it from a family friend that passed. He had this engine in a touring that he traveled all over the Midwest and lower Canada in. I am going to build a speedster and I want to use the T transmission as a clutch like Henry Lee did. Can someone tell me how to do that? Thanks very much and I will post pics when I get started.
Clyde

I had a friend who had a set-up like that. He just used the Model T high speed disc clutch. Not saying it was the best way to go, but it worked for him. Don't know what style of discs he used.

Hi Clyde,
It sounds like this is already set up & working? I believe Hank used that particular trans because it has synchro's. The people that I have run across
doing this have even used modern 5 spd. overdrives ( full synchro ) They had issues getting into gear at a stop. As with a Warford having a brake
to stop the input shaft will make it easier to put in gear. The freest clutch should be the best and if there is no low band you should be able to
achieve that. Outside brakes are a must! Keep in mind you will be starting off from a stop using the clutch so one in good condition is needed.
I'm collecting parts to do the same with a model A trans and intend to use only the clutch & brake (for a clutch brake) I'm planning on using a
Watts clutch. You might try reaching out to Hank I think he might still look at the forum from time to time.
Craig.

Thanks for the positive replies so far. Yes this was a running driving T. I want to get rid of the reverse pedal. I’m planning on updating the brakes but might leave the one in the trans too. Is it as simple as just removing the low band or is there more to it? I read somewhere that some guys pull the triple gears. I am looking for exactly what to, I’m finding it difficult to find out more about this as not much is published. I do have both T books “Speed andSport” and the book by Murray. Great books but the info was collected I think in the 1920s. I would love to find a T speed book compiled in later years. Thanks again, Clyde

Yup, just pull out the reverse and low drums, driven gear and triple gears. As noted above- leave the brake band in place or you will have to shut off the engine to get it into gear when starting off

In this 2nd half of this video I explain how I shift my aux transmission. This is with the bands still in the car. If you remove the low and reverse drums you can use the stock clutch as well, but you'll have to fill the reverse pedal shaft hole. I like having both options, low/1st will climb anything and I think reverse/reverse combination would go forward even slower than that.

I would go with a Turbo 400 style clutch either way.

https://youtu.be/5aWFlP5sPcA

Since you are in Thorsby Ala, why not just ask Hank? If you email him I am sure he will tell you. Look him up in an old post.
He is only about 3 hrs northeast of you. A trip would be better. You might even end up buying his speedster!!! Dan

Great ideas! Thank you. I will try to contact Mr. Lee too. Dan where are you located in AL?

Trussville
I have been to many antique auctions in Thorsby years ago.