Originally Posted by Lugnutz
I’m gonna throw in a plug for Dave Farwell. He makes a nice adapter plate that will meet your needs. He’s also about as nice a person as you could meet anywhere. He responds to my questions promptly by text or email too.
BEFORE you order the adapter plate, check to see what size the center bore hole is IN YOUR 1951 BELL. The adapter plate has a machined area that must match your bell bore hole size.
ALL Chevy T5 transmissions have a 4 + 11/16” diameter retainer bearing. So that’s why your T5 bell has that size hole. Not all Chevy bells have the same size bore hole. Some are about 5.125”.

Lastly, the adapter plate gets bolted to the bell by either of 2 methods.
1. Remove the bell from the engine and bolt the plate to the bell. Then bolt the bell back on the engine.
2. Leave the bell on the engine and remove the pressure plate and clutch disc. Flywheel stays in place. Then bolt the plate to the bell and finally replace the pressure plate and clutch disc.

The reason is because the upper 2 bolts that hold the plate to the bell go through the plate from INSIDE the bell and you can’t install them unless you get the clutch package out of the way.
thank you. good to know. I was hoping to order all these parts while still driving the truck. But i'll tear it down to measure the bell. Or perhaps, get a casting number off the bell..?

I didnt hear back from dave. I'll give it a few more days.

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