How long did Poncho use the hydramatic? Does that engine have the big dip at top of bellhouse mounting flange like later ones? If it did, would think a later 350 or 400 trans would bolt up. Shifter, another mess for sure. For all the trouble on an old truck, might as well get used to shifting. He could put in a 420 4spd to get it on the floor, always better than a column shift. Might as well just drop in a Chevy V-8 and matching trans and motor on. I'm sure that old Pontiac is tough to fine parts for!
