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BUSY BOLTERS Are you one?  The Shop Area
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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 209 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 209 | Hi everyone? I have a 1961 c10 apache that has the original thriftmaster 235 but the transmission was replaced with a 4 speed on the floor by a previous owner. Anyways would love to switch it over to a cast iron powerglide I bought for it that is for a 1960 model chevy. I have no clue where to find a crossmember for it or where it would be located. I noticed that these frames dont have extral holes like the 64-66 trucks. What would be involved in the swap? Thank you
Stovebolt-It is painted
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 28,674 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 28,674 | I hope you managed to get the block adapter ring, flywheel, starter, and other accessories along with the Powerglide. Since that setup was not available as original equipment in pickups, you're on your own where fabricating mounts is concerned. Once it's all cobbled together, you'll discover why we used to say "The Powerglide has two speeds- - - -too low and too high!"
There are much better options where automatics behind a 235 are concerned. The cast iron Powerglide is heavy, slippy, and not very appropriate in a truck application. A 700R4/4L60 (same transmission, different name) would be a much better choice, and it includes an overdrive 4th. gear. The effort to adapt it would be similar to what's involved in making the Powerglide work.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 |
1960 and 1961 Chevrolet truck Powerglide ID: 3706D
RPO-311 on C10 and C20
The Powerglide was also available on 1962 Chevrolet trucks, but I could not find the ID.
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 209 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 209 | I figured the powerglide might not be worth all that work. Also I am no good at fabrication. I owned quite a few 64-65 chevy trucks in the past and was able to drop in 350/350 combos because of the extra holes from factory. This is gonna be a challenge for me.
Stovebolt-It is painted
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2010 Posts: 436 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2010 Posts: 436 | I had the Powerglide with the 283ci V8 in my old 63 C10. I hated it. I ended up swapping in a TH400.
That swap required drilling out the rivets that held the rear support cross member in place, then relocating it a few inches rearward. I don't remember just how far back I had to go, it was over 35 years ago that I did that.
Good luck with your build though. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 209 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 209 | the 4spd will stay for now.
Stovebolt-It is painted
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