Overdrive for 1961 3 SPEED

[ktravers]

Hello everyone,

Does anyone know of or ever fitted an overdrive to a 1.6 Bedford CA from the early 60’s? Currently on a three speed column shift.

Many thanks

Kes

[PlopPlopSplash]

The extra length of the overdrive box means it will hit the chassis, so without major modification in this area it will not fit in.
It might be possible to fit a stand alone overdrive unit further down the chassis and split the propshaft. This is something I thought of doing on my own van when I have completed restoration. Still a lot of work and you would probably find the engine is not powerful enough to pull the higher gearing. I will be fitting a MGB engine to get round the lack of power problem.
Martin

[ktravers]

Thank you for your reply. A thought I had was finding a Vauxhall Cresta, Viva or Victor which used the same engine/bell housing and came with an overdrive as standard?

Or is it possible to change the ratio on the back axle rather than messing around with the gearbox, linkages, propshaft etc?

[PlopPlopSplash]

Hi, I don’t think the victor or viva were available in overdrive form. The Cresta box is similar but has a different gear change linkage on the side of the box. The length/chassis problem remains though.
Different axle ratios were available on the ca, but yours like mine being a 1961 is probably on the highest ratio and 13inch wheels. You need to check. I don’t know yet if the victor axle was higher still, if it is I will be looking for one as well.

Martin

[ktravers]

Hi Martin,

I’ll check my axle and wheels as stated in the manual that I have for the vehicle and see what it says.

All the best

Kes

[ktravers]

Does this shed any light?

http://retrorides.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=print&thread=46592

[ktravers]

http://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/vauxhall_victor_fd_technical_specifications.htm

Vauxhall Victor FD

1600CC: 4.125:1

[PlopPlopSplash]

Hi, the ca was available with 3 axle ratios:- 5.285:1 (the one you have) , 4.625:1 and 4.11:1 You are therfore on the lowest ratio. Great for pulling up hills and load carrying but hopeless for top speed. The Victor was available with a 3.9:1 diff but this was for use with the more powerfull 2Litre engine. you would never be out of 2nd gear if you fitted this.
I don’t know about compatibility of parts with the Cf, my research continues.

[ktravers]

So how about fitting the 4 speed box (with the lower 1st and 2nd gear ratios) 4th roughly same as 3rd on current box with a lower ratio back axle? Say the 4.11?

Did you see the back axle ratio fitted to the 1.6 Vauxhall Victor link I put in one of the replies? 4.125:1

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