Oddball Toploader Main Case ID?

Jac Mac · #1 (**permalink**) 08-10-2006, 06:33 AM

Recently had a customer bring in a replacement case for his 4 speed toploader. Looked identical in size etc but had ' ORION " cast on the side with a 7 or 8 number p/n( no letters). The casting quality was not as good as Genuine Ford housings with porosity in several places. On further investigaton I found that the front boss for the reverse idler was positioned approx 0.150" rearwards from the original ford housing. I machined this boss to suit and everything else line's up / works etc. Purely academic now, but I would like to know what it was out of. Some people have suggested Checker Cabs and Jeep's

Jac Mac

Rory428 · #2 (**permalink**) 09-19-2006, 05:00 PM

These Orion "toploaders" were common in some Ford Econoline vans, light duty pickups,& Granadas. They were not a true 4 speed, but rather a 3 speed with an overdriven 4th gear. The ratio drops were huge, and the trans were not very strong or valuable.

Jac Mac · #3 (**permalink**) 09-19-2006, 05:14 PM

Thanks Rory, Ext housing was different also. However its gone, done out of mind now.
Cheers
Jac Mac

Ant · #4 (**permalink**) 09-20-2006, 01:30 AM

Jac Mac,

I am after a 1960's Mustang shift lever, any condition to go on my Jerico five speed, in an attempt to keep the Cobra flavour, do you know of anything around?

A friend here in Ashburton is finishing the Almac Cobra I started a bit over 3 years ago, he purchased a shift lever from North Island Mustang parts supplier and its shoddy cheap style rubbish copy - that they sell these days.

Jac Mac · #5 (**permalink**) 09-20-2006, 03:11 AM

Hi Ant,

Do you mean the type with the toggle that you lift to engage reverse, They were fitted to the early T10 etc. If so I know a guy down my way that has a couple.

Jac Mac

Ant · #6 (**permalink**) 09-20-2006, 03:48 AM

Jac Mac,

Yep thats the type I am after!