The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline automatic trans

I'm thinking its time to start transmission shopping. Which would be the best candidate to mate up to a 235? Any mods needed to the floorboard? Also has anyone fabbed their own motor mounts

Thanks
Joe

Not enough info. What truck? What differential? Do you want OD? Will you be towing, Etc, etc.

As Cletis said, not sure what engine/truck but maybe use Stovebolt Engine Company adaptor and a 200R4, which is OD. Torque Tube would go Bye bye. Also, 55-63 engine is said to be the best 235's. I think there is one "magic motor", 1954 (car?), that has newer bearings? pressure? and still maintains the short, centered water pump? Again, not sure. Sweet, Cletis, TC, pre68dave and others know their 235's. A post 52 Powerglide is not out of the question for daily driver type use. Lotta car guys really like those. The older trucks had a Hydromatic 4 speed. Not sure if they are good to use or not. Reliability, Parts availability, big, heavy,etc. Gotta have auto?

Bart, I think the magic motor you speak of is the 53 with powerglide car engine (I have one in my 52). It is similar to the 54, with the AD correct water pump location, insert rod bearings, full oil pressure. One difference between the 54 and the 53 is that the 53 still has the two acorn nuts holding the valve cover on. I know you have mentioned in the past that you don't specialize in ADs, but you are coming along nicely! If I ever get my hands on a TF, I will definitely be calling upon you for help.

Thank you Yoda. I consider that a compliment. (That's short for Toyota, not what you were thinking.)

A funny man, Bartamos you are.

does the powerglide bolt right up
to the 235 without useing a adapter
i want to put auto in my 1954 chevy p.u.

That early cast iron powerglide will bolt up to your 235. You will have issues with the driveshaft. The early powerglide is set up to use a torque tube. It can be done but it will take a fair amount of fabrication to connect it to the rear end along with mounts for the transmission. If your going to go through that much work you would be better off getting an adapter and getting a more modern automatic.

If you are patient, you could look for a 1954/55st 1/2 ton truck Hydra-Matic (four forward speeds; high gear is 1:1).

You would need:
- transmission and shifter mechanism (all parts from the transmission to steering wheel)
- rear end: the 54 H-M torque-tube must be used; or, rear-end/drive-shaft for 55st open drive shaft.
- two bolt-on frame cross-members
- floor-board cover

Most likely you would have to re-route the brake lines.

I am not recommending this; just posting what woukld work and what would be needed.

Greg Hill and/or Charlie (and/or others?) would know if I left anything out.

If you are looking for a "bolt up" and you have closed driveshaft, get a big heavy PG or Hydro. I would use this opportunity to get an open driveshaft and modern tranny.

Yes and no. You would need to change engine mounts from front of engine to side mounts. may need to modify or remove the cross member where the clutch housing mounts to now. A rear transmission mount would also need to be made.
Make sure you get the mounting plate and starter from the donor vehicle. It mounts to the 235, then the Powerglide mounts to it. Powerglide also uses a oil cooler on it. You'll also want the throttle linkage to transmission for the kick down.
I'd like to find one with even the gearshift off the steering column. I think it could be modified to fit the truck steering column.

John

You would need:
- transmission and shifter mechanism (all parts from the transmission to steering wheel)
- rear end: the 54 H-M torque-tube must be used; or, rear-end/drive-shaft for 55st open drive shaft.
- two bolt-on frame cross-members
- floor-board cover

Starter, and pushbutton start switch, nuetral start switch and bracket, linkage.

anything else?

Thanks, Greg

Trying to find a H-M would be like finding hen's teeth wouldn't it??? Though more of them exist than I figured before joining this group....

John

Hen's teeth are non-existent.

53-54 Hydra-Matic transmissions (enclosed driveshaft) are almost as scarce/rare. Those would be the easiest bolt-ins, but you would need a lot of original H-M truck parts to get them to work.

The 55-59 Hydra-Matics might also be a relatively easy bolt-in, with an open driveshaft and open rear end.

Powerglides would be more common; and, more modern transmissions would most likely be the easiest to find.

I think that two sets of 53-55 H-M parts were listed in trucks/parts over the last year.

Never got into the Hydra-Matic, if one had a later open drive shaft model, could the tail piece be swapped from one of these to make it for an enclosed driveshaft? My 1956 Pontiac still has the older version of the Hydra-matic without the park.

So far I haven't had much luck in finding a 53-54 Powerglide yet. Seen a '52 model and engine, but they weren't self shifting and the torque converter was redesigned for more efficiency in 1953.
John

If someone is serious about converting their 54 to hydra-matic or even if they want a 54 hydra-matic truck, look in the stovebolt spotting section or the trucks wanted. The deal of the day is there and the bonus is keeping a guy from cutting up an original hydra-matic truck to make a street rod of it. All the parts you need plus some

i found a 1953 chevy car 235 with powerglide
guy said every thing is there eng. and trans

dear greg,
i called the guy in the ad he will not just sell the truck
he wants someone to trade a truck that he can build
he will not sell any parts,he wants to keep it together
because it is # matching

I understand the point of his plight and THINK I know what could work. Bottom line is he wants a daily driver on an S-10 frame and V-8 power. That was his intention for that truck until he found out about it's rarity. He needs a titleable truck that he can cut up as needed. (something a little more forgiving) My idea would be to approach him with a cab and title that will suit his needs and let him keep fenders, bed, doors, etc. The cab and rolling chassis with driveline are the hydra-matic specific items.

That, in my opinion is how to start the negotiation.

Does adapting a 200/700r4 to a 235 in a 3100 require using different bellhousing/motor mounts?

I'd assume the adapter plate might have mounts? If not then you'd have to change to side mounts ect...... just like most of the other automatic combinations.

John

The Buffalo adapter requires you to build side mounts. I made some with flat stock and angle iron.

TH200-4R in a '54 GMC

There's a couple places you can source 235 engine mounts and frame mounts. Looks good though.

I had always considered this but for the additional cost over a T5.

where do you get a buffalo adapter?
never heard of one

Buffalo Enterprises, Arlington, WA, 360 652 7684

He is a one man shop- no website, nobody to answer the phone. Leave a message and he will call you back. He makes them to order, including custom flexplate.