My '59 Apache currently has a 235 and 3-speed. The engine is real tired and I plan to swap it for a 283 V8 from a '57 Belair. Other than that I plan to keep it as original as possible and not loose that "old truck" feeling, so no modern upgrades unless I have to.
I intend to use the original 3-speed but the bellhousing will of course have to be changed. The engine, being an early smallblock, has not got the middle sidemounts or bosses for them. This means I'll have to use the front engine mounts and a bellhousing that has the mounting ears for the trans crossmember as per original.
What bellhousing will work here?
My guess is I'll have to use an original cast iron early V8 housing, but can I use one from a car or are they different in the trucks? What years will work?
Also, are the trans crossmember and front crossmembers the same for six and V8 trucks?
Grateful for any input.
Anders, Norway
