Classic/Antique Car Repair: overdrive transmission, auto repair manual, rear gears

Question
I have a 53 ford pickup with a 3 speed trans. I would like to install a 3speed overdrive trans. I have the flathead v-8. what years will fit?  Thank you.

Answer
Wayne, if my old head is working right 49 through 53 Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury will fit very nicely. Don't forget that an overdrive is an electro-mechanical device. If you find a donor car make sure that you get the control handle and cable, relay, and the throttle kickdown switch. A 1954 version of motors Auto Repair Manual will show you the wiring hook up. The only problem unless you find a truck as a donor is the drive shaft length. You might end up having one fabricated at a local driveshaft shop. Check your yellow pages. One final thing. Vehicles with overdrive run a different rear gear ration than the three speed. You might have to change the rear gears as well.
Brad