3 speed with electronic OD question

[Blacksnake]

My son has a 1962 2 door post Fairlane. It is his daily driver. We were going to put in a Tremec 5 speed, but for now we are having the 3 speed with electronic OD rebuilt/resealed. I personally like the nostalgia of the 3 on the tree.

My question is ......How rare is a 221 V8 car (now 289) with a 3 speed and electronic overdrive? The trans guy says it is rare. How can I find out the production numbers. Not for resale, we found this car and it is in great shape we were just wondering for our own knowledge.

By the way how are the guys doin with the 5 speed conversions? Pics? Thanks Ryan

[overdrive]

3 speed manual with overdrive is very rare in the 62 - 67 Fairlanes. I don't know the numbers, but probably around 1 % or fewer were equipped with this option. The guys at the Fairlane club may have actual production numbers.

Your term "electronic" implies transisters and circuit boards. This transmission actually relied on solenoids, relays, contact points and a mechanical governor to operate. The overdrive unit was developed by Borg Warner around 1932 and was attached to conventional 3 speed transmissions. The 3 speed manual with overdrive was most popular on Fords, Ramblers, Jeeps, and Studeker. Most of the other manufacturers used them on some of their vehicles.

The T-86 transmissions were installed in the Fairlanes, while larger Fords were equipped with the T-85 transmissions. A planetary gear setup allows the engine RPM to be reduced 30% when overdrive is selected.

As more and more automatic transmissions were sold, the older 3 sp manual with overdrive had fewer and fewer sales. It was a very efficient unit that worked well. Some owners never fully understood the correct operation.

Contact me if you need more information on this transmission.