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Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
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For helping keep this great
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on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down
with Ads!  Again, thanks!
| | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,518 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,518 | Interested in everyones opinion on the cast iron saginaw four speeds. I have a friend that I will be helping on a AD restore or partial resto mod restore, and he/we are in the planning stages. He would like to keep the stock appearance bias ply tire look retain the torque tube but is interested in the Patrick saginaw 4sp kit. I'm skeptical, years ago, owned a saginaw four speed and was always putting a second gear syncho in it back in the old days power shift one or two times then it ground into second on the third shift. That said, I wonder if that trans can handle the heavier pickup body if driven around responsibly? I know this is a different way seems many go the route of a 5sp open drive line these days, it might come to that but at least want your opinions on this setup.
Thanks in advance,
Steve
1953 Chevrolet 3100261 cu inch, sm420, 3.55 rear, torque tube still,omaha orange, still 6 volt, RPO green glass, side carrier spare, all done In the DITY GalleryVideo of the 261 running1964 GMC 1000305 Big Block V6, sm420, the next cab off restoration
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 1,775 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 1,775 | I don’t believe you can retain your torque tube with a Saginaw.
On another note, I don’t believe Patrick’s is doing business anymore.
AD trucks don’t weigh anymore than a mid size sedan, just about any transmission will do. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | 'Power shifting' is not a method to preserve good transmissions.
Ed
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires.
'47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle.
'54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed.
'55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,518 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,518 | Ed, try and tell a 19 year old that. This was 40 years ago but it always stuck in the back of my mind about how weak the trans was in comparison with a muncie
1953 Chevrolet 3100261 cu inch, sm420, 3.55 rear, torque tube still,omaha orange, still 6 volt, RPO green glass, side carrier spare, all done In the DITY GalleryVideo of the 261 running1964 GMC 1000305 Big Block V6, sm420, the next cab off restoration
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 1,775 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 1,775 | I’m going to correct my original statement. Patrick’s is still in business, a quick search will show you that they have some customer service issues. Meaning you may or may not get your parts. Sounds like Patrick’s has had some machine shop problems. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2014 Posts: 75 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2014 Posts: 75 | Don’t mean to throw stones but be cautious when dealing with Patrick’s, especially if you pay in advance. I’m still trying to recover $ or get the parts from a deal over a year old. They have stopped acknowledging my calls or correspondence. Jus sayin.........
'53 3100 Short Bed
Texas Peace Officer - supporter of the Badge and the Blue Line
Pain is part of life, Misery is an option.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | Be forewarned about buying from Patricks.
It would be nice to hear from someone who has purchased something significant from in the past year.
If you decide to buy from him, please let us know what you bought, and your experience (especially, how long it took for delivery).
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