'54 Ford Club of America - Forum

AM in need of assistance. I have the 223 ( or is it the 215) with the overdrive 3 speed on the tree. I have the handle installed on the dash, a solenoid on the tranny, and a cable in a box. Converted to 12V a while back. Need to figure out how to make it work.
1-Need to test solenoid for working properly? How;
2-Will 12V affect solenoid?
3-does cable just hook up directly to the solenoid or?

Any and all help is greatly appreciated.
Lost in the dark...

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Michael

1954 was the first year of the 223,I recommend you buy this http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/COMPLETE ... 2781wt_939 best $$ you can spend for your overdrive you do need a 1956-60 12 volt solenoid the original 6 volt solenoid does not play well with Volt-A Drops you can probably sell your 6 volt unit on ebay which is also a good source for the 12 volt one you need.

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Jeff

These transmissions are Borg Warner units and were used by many car brands. There are 5 components that go along with the transmission itself; the relay (usually on the firewall engine bay side); the solenoid (on the tranny); the governor (also on the tranny); the Overdrive Bowden cable (under the dash); and the kickdown switch (under the gas pedal).
There are many, many ways to do a 12 volt conversion. You must have a 12 volt solenoid and I suggest a 12 volt relay. The solenoid draws current in two ways (one to engage the pawl and one to hold the pawl) so you cannot just “step down” the voltage. Solenoids are interchangeable among car brands for the most part so long as the voltage is correct. One would just orient the solenoid shaft to the transmission by a simple procedure. Some solenoid brands (like Delco Remy), however, would be only for a specific transmission.
The absolutely best vendor I have found for Overdrive parts and knowledge is http://www.fifthaveinternetgarage.com/ . They even have new solenoids available. I would start there.
Google will give you lots of hits and instructions as well.
Here is one very good write up: http://www.fordification.com/tech/overdrive.htm
And another resource: http://www.tocmp.com/manuals/trans/Borg ... Overdrive/


I do have a 12 volt relay if you need one of those.
Cheers.