So it's a sunk cost. Did you get a good price? Consider:
www.hemmings.com/stories/article/columbia-two-speed-rears
Quote:
Normal operation of the overdrive unit involves getting the car up to speed in 3rd gear, then depressing the clutch pedal and pulling on the overdrive cable. After hearing a solid clunk (telling you the overdrive's been activated), you release the clutch and you're in overdrive. The second speed reduced the axles' original ratio, resulting in a 30% reduction in engine rpm. Although intended for highway speeds, you could engage the overdrive in 1st or 2nd as well; it actually worked in any forward gear.
Parts to repair these units are still available. D&W Enterprises is probably the largest source for parts; and we would like to thank Jim Webber from D&W for his help in researching this article. Vintage Auto Parts supplies replacement Columbia axles as well. Additional information on Columbia two-speeds is also available on the Internet at the Ford flathead Web site, flatheadv8.org - This website is for sale! - flatheadv8 Resources and Information.
|
I drove an Intenational box van in the 1950s that had one of these, or something similar.