Re: Mitchell Overdrive Installation

Posted by Ron in Clearlake, CA on August 30, 1998 at 22:04:23

In Reply to: Mitchell Overdrive Installation
posted by Dick Sparks on August 11, 1998 at 09:20:40

: Just finished test-driving my Mitchell about two hours ago...What a joy to drive my Model A now. I was a little apprehensive when I first took it on our "two miles of freeway, but pushed it right away to 65 mph... Then decided that for normal driving at 55 this unit is a breeze.The motor is really relaxed at that speed.
Some hints for installing the unit(which we bought from Sue and Glenn at the Reno National Convention).
1.Beg, borrow, or steal a Rear Spring Spreader.
2.Jack both ends of the car up as HIGH as you can.It will make the installation a lot easier...
3.Purchase a PINION NUT PULLER and PINION NUT WRENCHES(those 2-1/8 skinny open end wrenches), from arelaiblesource.Mine were purchased from A.C.&R in Redding,CA.
4.After you get the driveshaft out and are getting ready to remove the PINION GEAR, I would recommend that you take it to a machine shop and have the PINION GEAR pressed off.I did with one of my pullers (A $100 OTC puller and itresulted in screwing up the threads on the old driveshaft) The pinion gear came off like a shotgun blastoff. DUCK!!!
5.Have a hefty floor jack to place under the differential,
and a skinny, small floor jack to to on the transmissionend of the drive shaft when uou are ready to get theoverdrive installed It makes it easy to maneuver if you are doing the job by yourself.You don't need anyhelp to get the old stuff out, but the overdrive is about 100 lbs so you will need assistance or the above mentioned jack. Make sure the driveshaft is secured on theforward end with some TYRAPS, or a rope or whatever because the unit tends to lean to one side.
6.The hardest part of the whole installation was afterinstalling the new drive shaft and pinion gear into the rear end was getting that short coupling to line up withthe end of the overdrive drive shaft. I fought it and fought it, and gave up after two hours, retiring for thenight.Came back out the next morning and it just slipped right in... Oh Well...
*** I was fortunate that I only had to travel less than 100 miles to Sue and Glenn's Machine Shop in Healdsburg, CA to pick up my overdrive.They are a really fantastic couple and have a shop that is so clean that you can eat off the floor.All of those computerized machines, etc, etc.
*** They don't advertise that the do overdrive installations, but they do, for about $300.If I had known that, I wouldn't even have attempted to do it myself.

: I just received my new Mitchell Overdrive and will be installing it as soon as the Texas heat subsides a bit.
: Has anyone installed the Mitchell unit? Any sugestions
: or tips? I would appreceiate any help prior to gettingstarted. The car is a 31 coupe.
:Thanks: Dick Sparks
:Lewisville, Tx.
:972-221-4673