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EFV-8 Club Forum / 1940 Ford Discussion / Fully functioning Columbia 2 speed rear end mod

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Discussion Topic: Fully functioning Columbia 2 speed rear end mod

Rubey

12-19-2025 @ 5:25 AM

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When changing from a 6 volt, positive ground to a 12 volt negative ground system, is there a modification necessary for the electrical wiring in an electrical/vacuum operated Columbia rear end? As an example, I'm installing a voltage reducer for my heater blower motor. Is that necessary for the Columbia rear end and if so, where in the wiring should it be installed?

carcrazy

12-19-2025 @ 1:57 PM

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If you have an original Columbia two-speed rear axle as was originally used on early Fords, there is no electrical connection involved. These rear ends were simply vacuum and mechanically operated.

carcrazy

12-19-2025 @ 2:27 PM

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You can use a resistor aka voltage reducer to allow you to use your original 6V blower motor. They are available from Fifth Avenue Antique Auto Parts under part no. 02415HR-voltage reducer. A better but more expensive solution is to use a 12V blower motor.

https://fifthaveinternetgarage.com/electrical_parts.php

Rubey

12-19-2025 @ 3:21 PM

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I've attached a photo. The Columbia two speed is engaged by pressing down a toggle on the dash after depressing the clutch once the truck is at an appropriate speed. The gear engagement is obvious and a drop in speed on the speedometer is noted as well as a drop in rpm. There is definitely an electrical wire entering the control module on the firewall. My thought is to insert a voltage reducer into the wire as it enters the control module.

carcrazy

12-19-2025 @ 11:55 PM

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You must have one of the later Columbia systems used on 1941 and later vehicles. These do have an electrical connection to actuate the solenoid. If this system works like the solenoid on a Borg-Warner overdrive system, you cannot use a voltage reducer on the solenoid because there are two different coils inside the solenoid housing. One set is the heavy pull-in coils which engage the overdrive. The second smaller set is called the holding coils. They hold the overdrive engaged while it is in use. Each set of coils require different amounts of current to work properly. The smaller holding coils will be destroyed first from excessive voltage. These are the most expensive to repair if you can find the parts.

Rubey

12-20-2025 @ 4:27 AM

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is there a solution preemptively for this issue?

kubes40

12-20-2025 @ 6:30 AM

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John Connelly of Columbia Two-Speed Parts sells the correct pieces for your vehicle. That would be the easiest solution.

Mike "Kube" Kubarth

Rubey

12-28-2025 @ 5:08 AM

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Thanks. I'll contact John. He has already rebuilt this unit for the previous owner

Rubey

12-29-2025 @ 1:35 PM

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I contacted John Connelly, the Columbia guru, and he advised that a voltage reducer from the battery to the controller should work when switching from 6 to 12 volts. . He advised that there is not a 12 volt solenoid or motor currently available to replace the 6 volt motor or solenoid. I'll let the forum know how it goes. Thanks for the help.

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