A bit better photo of the truck. She is a driver, not a show truck. Yet..., wherever I park her, it somehow becomes a truck show.
I'm very happy with the T5 swap, and I recommend this to anyone who is considering upgrading from their OE 1930s - 1940s Muncie 4 speed. It is possible to retain your original clutch, bell housing, pedals, and parking brake, while upgrading your 41-46 Art deco 3/4 ton truck to a modern T5 transmission.
The major changes include an adapter plate (5/8 inch thick) for the early Chevy bell housings (Vintage Metalworks, OH), a good S10 T5 transmission (got mine from Anaheim Gear), a 10 spline jeep T5 input shaft (Anaheim Gear), an OE S10 T5 bearing retainer cut down by 1/4 inch (Anaheim Gear), and a good T5 shifter (I used a Hurst but you can modify an OE T5 shifter). With these components, the entire project bolts together. The only modifications to the truck itself was the floor cut outs. I bought a reproduction floor off ebay, and cut that, so I would not destroy an original part. Basically, I now have every component necessary to restore this truck to it's original configuration sitting on the shelf, should I ever decide that an original truck is more desirable. The only outright fabrication involved was the creation of a bracket to mount the OE hand brake to the T5, and cutting the holes in the new floor.
If I had one observation at this point it would be that the T5 seems as though it would be happier if I were running a 3.90 or 4.11, rather than my stock 4.55 differential. But that's another thread.
Once again, my thanks to everyone that has helped me through this swap by answering my questions, and providing their expertise and advice. I have thoroughly enjoyed the project, and your help. Stovebolters are the best.
