Can a 308 be made to mate to an early Ford transmission?

[Deleted User]

While browsing the HAMB the other day, I spotted a thread about an old Hudson dirt racer that supposedly ran a 308 that was mated to an early Ford top-loader transmission (c. 1932-40ish). The engine and front half of the transmission are long gone and the new owner didn't have any additional info. But this got my gears to grinding and I figured if any Hudson bench racers would have the info, it would be you guys.

"WHY NOT JUST RUN THE HUDSON TRANSMISSION?" you ask. Good question. That has been my plan for a while now, but as I am dropping this in between some modified 32 Ford frame rails, the idea of being able to use a stock 32 K-member with all of appropriate pieces of the Ford transmission mated together with the pedal assembly and clutch and master cylinder is really appealing. I mean, other than the Hudson engine up front, everything behind the firewall will essentially be early Ford.

So, is there a precedent for mating a Hudson engine to an early Ford transmission? Was what I saw on the HAMB a one-off engineering miracle/nightmare that some shade tree mechanic somehow managed to pull off? I know there are adapters that can be made to mount a T-5 or similar to a Hudson motor, but as the transmission will be visible in the cockpit, keeping the roadster period correct in appearance and mechanicals rules that right out I'm afraid.

Would the better solution be to fabricate a custom K-member and just forget the whole notion? Your thoughts are appreciated.

Cheers.

Ol racer

Back in the 60's a lot of guys racing modified's down State mated flathead Ford V8 Trans & clutch onto the Hornet because the Hudson Input shaft would twist off when running wide Slicks... I never did it though so cant mention how they mated it. Probably began by re-drilling a '55 flywheel.

[Deleted User]

Well that answers the precedent part. Thank you!
Now my gears are really grinding!

Ol racer

FYI
Here is a small Shop that has adapted different Trans to Vintage 6 Cyl motors. Perhaps he can assist... Vintage Metalworks 330 322 3102 dfarwell09@gmail.com...

keithfullmeryahoocom

Figures. If it makes it go faster, Chucks' done it--or at least seen it. Lol
Keith

dougson

Contact Wilkap in SO. CA, they also have a website, Wilkap adapters.

mars55

It's actual Wilcap. Here is a link to them.

http://www.wilcap.com/

hudsontech

I read somewhere the old stock car drivers used to turn down Cadillac rear axles because the Hudson axles weren't strong enough for the torque, especially coming out of a turn. Loose the right axle and you'd find yourself in the nearest parking lot - or wherever.

Hudsonly,
Alex Burr
Memphis, TN

Shaun1162

Sorry to bump this thread up, but I came across this post while searching...

I'm the owner of the Jet, but unfortunately I can't give any insight as to how the engine was adapted... Nobody I can really talk to who might remember how the adapter was made.

I'd really like to find someone out there who has done this before. I'm guessing they made some sort of adapter out of a flat plate, alot like the Wilcap adapters.

I was thinking on the Wilcap adapters, they would come with the Chevy bolt pattern, and then you could use an old Offenhauser or similar aluminum bellhousing adapter that went from a Chevy small block down to the Ford top loader.

I think the Wilcap adapters are something like $800 though? Probably a little out of my price range...

Ol racer

FYI
I never ran the Ford Dry clutch so cant provide any Insight but I actually seen the modified Coupes race with the early Ford transmission. There were so many using them back then it couldnt have been real difficult, or there was a supplier down in that area once...

There is a Father & Son Shop in the Cleveland (Oh) area that adapted a Hornet onto a 4spd for a Chapter Member  . Vintage Metal Works They may have a Blog Site. 330 322 3102. They adapted other Vintage 6 cyl Mtrs onto modern Std Trans and may be of assistance.
 Chuck....

Kdancy

http://vintagemetalworks.blogspot.com/
This one?

Shaun1162

I sent an e-mail to him, and he was kind enough to show me his blog posts on the conversion. He converted a Hudson 6 (not a 308- but that probably doesn't matter) to a T-5, 5 speed transmission. Very helpful guy and he said he still had all the plans to make an adapter. He said he retained the wet clutch system.

Are there some year 308's that ran with normal dry clutches?

53jetman

AMC 308's used the dry Borg & Beck clutch

Ol racer

Kerry,

That is the correct Shop Blog. I casually know the person that had the T5 installed. He said they mated the T5 Trans spline onto the Hudson clutch Disc.The Shop also installed the Motor into his Hudson and made all the Linkage and Driveshaft. Perhaps the Hornet Mtr had the 262 Head on it...