Excellent research job! Just found your thread on the other forum.
- You are doing the right thing, giving it a try, since you already have a unit at hand.
The obvious main reason for me to stay away from them, was the ridiculous price that these parts collectors wanted.
My favorite was the guy who has one looking just like yours for $2K
For that amount you can get a really nice brand new Gear Vendors unit!
The pros I mentioned were retired (some from LA county) and did repairs on those in the 50s.
They remembered them as early version automatics with a recurring problem that's 'just a b!#$& to repair' to paraphrase one.
But as always with obsolete unusual vintage accessory - you gotta do your own experiments and never take anybody's sole advice or experience as gospel.
These experiments are all mostly about fun, especially the figuring out part.
For a daily driver I would not connect the linkages to the pedals, simply because of saftey concearns.
I would be worried about a clutch or gas pedal hanging up at the worst moment and when least expected. - Glad they left the break pedal alone.
The main engaging push-pull knob for just freeway driving is all that's needed really.
The clutch and gas pedal linkages are just there to allow for additional ways for disengaging the OD.
With a 4.11 rear it would be alright, but the truckstell is only 500 rpm lower compared to a 3.55 rear without overdrive.
It appears when these powerglide rear ends first came out, it was the end of the truckstell production for chevys, as the last 103 model was an early 50s version.
My conclusion was, if I ever find an affordable unit that's mechanically sound - Have fun and go for it without regrets !
Keep us in touch, regardless how it works out.
There are a lot of 'torque-tubers' looking for these and just not enough experience or info going around.
Sounds like you got all the literature already.
I have the complete instructions for the earlier model 101 and the later 103, if you need anything.
