Question about Ford's Toploader 4-speed

[Monty]

Assuming you bought a new Ford with a 4-speed Toploader transmission between the years of, say, 1967 - 1973, would the trans case be painted the same color as the engine, or would it be unpainted?  

If unpainted, which Metalizer would best replicate the color of the case?

[Ace-Garageguy]

Nekkid cast iron is the consensus among most restorers.

Do you have Testors metalizers in your stash? They're out of production and most stocks have been bought up.

But despair not. Most car parts stores have a "cast metal" rattlecan product that works great, and is enough to last for years.

The diecast aluminum bellhousing would best be represented by Testors "aluminum plate" buffing metalizer, if you can find it.

Edited August 19, 2022 by Ace-Garageguy
CLARITY and ACCURACY

[Rodent]

My '68 Mustang J-code that came to me in 1977 with around 55k miles had a bare cast iron case and an aluminum bellhousing. Tailshaft housing was cast iron as well, IIRC.

[Monty]

4 hours ago, Ace-Garageguy said:

Nekkid cast iron is the consensus among most restorers.

Do you have Testors metalizers in your stash? They're out of production and most stocks have been bought up.

But despair not. Most car parts stores have a "cast metal" rattlecan product that works great, and is enough to last for years.

The diecast aluminum bellhousing would best be represented by Testors "aluminum plate" buffing metalizer, if you can find it.

Thanks!  When I first heard Testors was killing off their MM & Metalizer lines I went and bought up a bunch of enamels I liked or wanted to try and I also snagged replacements for my Metalizers, which were getting low. 

I kinda lucked out 'cuz I got everything at very reasonable prices - mostly from hobby shops clearing them out through ebay.  

There are some good alternatives to Testors metalizers.  Humbrol still offers their Metalcote line, I think Alclad has some, and I've heard there are also some good acrylics that the gamers use for their figures.  

[Monty]

4 hours ago, Rodent said:

My '68 Mustang J-code that came to me in 1977 with around 55k miles had a bare cast iron case and an aluminum bellhousing. Tailshaft housing was cast iron as well, IIRC.

Looks like we have a consensus!  Thanks for the response.

[Dave Van]

My 66 Mustang 289/270 toploader is steel gray no paint. Or it was when I bought it from Young Ford in 1975, doubt it was altered before I bought her!!!! 

[mk11]

On 8/19/2022 at 3:51 PM, Ace-Garageguy said:

Nekkid cast iron is the consensus among most restorers.

The diecast aluminum bellhousing would best be represented by Testors "aluminum plate" buffing metalizer, if you can find it.

Yup...

 

Wanting something stronger than currently available 4 spds (T-10 etc) Ford engineering came up with the toploader design in '64. It was named for the way all the internal parts were loaded through the top; the shifter position had nothing to do with it, as some might have you believe. 

Their three speed was based on the same design...

with one less shaft sticking out the left side and one less bolt on the top cover. The 3 spd was such a durable design, GM even used these on some of their cars in the '60s. This is the style of trans that would be accurate for the 3spd '67-'72 F100s.