31 Essex, what is it?

TwinH

Drug home a driveline from a 31 Essex that was being hot rodded. If the motor runs its going in my 30 coupe.
Any way whats up with this transmission? Was there a factory OD available in 31 or is this some kind of aftermarket deal?

lostmind

Don't know , but I thought there was a " free wheeling" option?

TwinH

Yes,I recall something about a "free wheeling" option too. Not that I understood it,seems that neutral would give you all the free wheeling you'd want... Haven't had time to give it much attention yet and will probably go back through Alex's scanned literature to see what I can turn up. I did manage to finish up the alternator/AC compressor mounting and brackets for the 308
in my 49 sedan. Did my best to try to 'hide' the compressor under the alternator and the semigloss black will hopefully help to not detract from the beauty of the big Twin-H.

[Deleted User]

I like the hubcap / oilcap modification ,
Roger

lostmind

Yes , I noticed that also! Kind of ashamed I never thought of it.
Neat

TwinH

Lol! Sure can't take credit for the oilcap/hubcap deal. I saw that on here some years ago but can't recall whose motor it was on...

[Deleted User]

In 1931 there was an option for free wheeling. With car in high gear, when you slowed down to 20, car would free wheel, then when you stepped on the gas it would lock up. With the brake set up in those days, not a good idea. My 2 31's had that option and living in Waterbury, CT with all the hills free wheeling was not used too much. Walt.

TwinH

Thanks for that info Walt. So I guess it would be kinda like our stepdowns with the OD not engaged (no engine braking). Any thoughts on why they did this? Was it supposed to save you some shifting?