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| | | | Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 202 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 202 | Does anyone know what the clearance is from the top of a 3 speed transmission to the floor panel?
What we are seeking to do is mount a Powerglide transmission from a 53 Chevrolet sedan in my brothers 51 3100. My working hypothesis is that the 3 speed transmissions and bell housing on the pickups are the same as the ones on the cars. If the cars are able to accommodate both the 3 speed transmission or Powerglide then a 3100 pickup should be able accommodate a Powerglide. My concern here is transmission to cab clearance.
Any thought on this?
(I already know the factory rear engine cross member will not work for this application and I already have the material to make one that will.)
Thanks in advance
Walt L. Williams
La Verkin, Utah | | | | | Joined: Jun 2012 Posts: 1,749 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2012 Posts: 1,749 | With the floor cover off the distance from toe board to transmission will be close to the 3 speed distance. If I remember correctly(an issue for sure) the powerglide transition is smaller than the bell housing. That part that covers the torque converter. The issues will come from the torque tube rear end, I think. The issue that might concern me would be the Mating of the drive shaft to the transmission. If you have an "open" driveshaft then it will be easier.
Steve H
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 202 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 202 | Actually I was looking for measurement from the flat part of the floor board to the top/level part of the 3 speed transmission. Sorry I wasn't more specific. The depth from the back of the engine to where the transmission flattens off is approximately the same. Where the Powerglide flattens off is inch higher then the 3 speed. Hence why I am hoping someone has a truck in a position for a easy measurement. I hope there is more than an inch.
I already trial-mounted the engine with Powerglide on the frame. The Powerglide is 1/2" longer than a 3 speed but will still work with the pickup drive shaft, but it will be a tight fit. It just mean the u-joint yoke will be slide further down onto the drive shaft.
Last edited by 54Belair; 12/19/2015 10:17 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2012 Posts: 1,749 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2012 Posts: 1,749 | 1/2 inch might be workable. Make certain the yoke can slide back on the driveshaft and the drive shaft will not foul the "U" Joint by sticking too far forward. For the measurement from the top of the transmission to the floor, well I have a 4 speed so not much help with that.
Steve H
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