Saginaw Overdrive - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

C10 - C90 Bill · 08-05-2021, 09:37 PM

Picked up 2 Saginaw Overdrives today. Mostly apart in boxes. Going to have one installed on my 2-Ring Saginaw 4-Speed for my '72 C-10. But no Pull Knobs came with them. Wondering what the original Pull Knobs look like, wondering how hard it would be to find an original and wondering what would be a good replacement.

Also interested on any comments on them. I've been wanting an OD for a good while now, but I am still learning.

Thanks

**Accelo** · 08-06-2021, 12:55 AM

Did the OD come with the switch on the Carburetor? Looks somewhat like a THM400 electric kick down. Cuts the ignition for a split second so the transmission can shift. When working they are a joy to drive. Possibly you could rig the dash with the remote throttle and use it for the overdrive activation? Just kidding on that one. The cable and handle looks similar to the C1 corvette hood latch pull. Maybe one could be adapted?
Rick

C10 - C90 Bill · 08-06-2021, 09:08 AM

Not sure about a switch on the carb. I do know it has a solenoid on the unit. I'm going to bring it all to a trans expert, who also happens to be a good friend of mine. Although he won't have any pull knobs available.

**Accelo** · 08-06-2021, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C10 - C90 Bill

Not sure about a switch on the carb. I do know it has a solenoid on the unit. I'm going to bring it all to a trans expert, who also happens to be a good friend of mine. Although he won't have any pull knobs available.

The solenoid keeps it from engaging below 35mph. Quite sophisticated unit in its day. A switch can be retrofitted if you decide to go full factory on the set up.
They drive like a Powerglide above 35mph. Only issue the have is no engine braking when it overdrive. Going down hill you will want to disengage it.
Maybe this will work?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/19257378883...EAAOSwhu5fUCzH
It doesn't say Ford only overdrive. Few would know the difference.
Sacrilegious? I don't think so.

Rick

C10 - C90 Bill · 08-06-2021, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Accelo

Going down hill you will want to disengage it.

Rick

I have been learning that. May take some getting used to.

Thanks

08-05-2021, 09:37 PM	#1
C10 - C90 Bill Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Moneta, VA USA Posts: 3,088	Saginaw Overdrive Picked up 2 Saginaw Overdrives today. Mostly apart in boxes. Going to have one installed on my 2-Ring Saginaw 4-Speed for my '72 C-10. But no Pull Knobs came with them. Wondering what the original Pull Knobs look like, wondering how hard it would be to find an original and wondering what would be a good replacement. Also interested on any comments on them. I've been wanting an OD for a good while now, but I am still learning. Thanks __________________ '60-'72 Chev/GMC Fan GMC 9500 Fan Detroit Diesel Fan

08-06-2021, 12:55 AM	#2
Accelo Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: washington Posts: 2,301	Re: Saginaw Overdrive Did the OD come with the switch on the Carburetor? Looks somewhat like a THM400 electric kick down. Cuts the ignition for a split second so the transmission can shift. When working they are a joy to drive. Possibly you could rig the dash with the remote throttle and use it for the overdrive activation? Just kidding on that one. The cable and handle looks similar to the C1 corvette hood latch pull. Maybe one could be adapted? Rick

08-06-2021, 09:08 AM	#3
C10 - C90 Bill Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Moneta, VA USA Posts: 3,088	Re: Saginaw Overdrive Not sure about a switch on the carb. I do know it has a solenoid on the unit. I'm going to bring it all to a trans expert, who also happens to be a good friend of mine. Although he won't have any pull knobs available. __________________ '60-'72 Chev/GMC Fan GMC 9500 Fan Detroit Diesel Fan



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