My wife and I recently bought a 1964 Chevy panel truck. The previous owner had installed the engine and transmission from a 1990 Chevy Caprice. He had figured out how to make the manual shifter on the steering column work to shift the automatic transmission. Its a bit awkward because if you shift it incorrectly it locks up. The truck runs and has the original drive train. We would like to upgrade the drive train to be able drive it regularly so we're not looking to make it show quality. I'm not sure the best way to get started. I do know it would be nice to be able to shift the transmission without having to worry about it locking up. Eventually we would like to get rid of the carbureted engine. I have been told that the drive train from a 1988 pickup would bolt into our frame. I am looking for any advice on the best way to proceed.
Welcome to the 'bolt. Nice looking truck. The welcome forum is not the best place to get questions answered, as most of us just say "Hi" and move along.
You might be able to adjust the linkages a bit better, or find an automatic steering column and linkages to swap into it.
Another quality post. Real Trucks Rattle HELP! The Paranoids are after me!
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Welcome to the “Bolt”. Nice lookin’ panel! With a ‘64 I would think you should be able to find a automatic column shift and linkage like Rusty Rod suggested.
Phil Moderator, The Engine Shop, Interiors and Project Journals
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Welcome. I agree nice looking. Alaska and no heater? I notice GMC grill, chevy hood, 60-63 cab. Maybe not so cut and dry as to what will work. We need more help to ensure you have a 64.
Once on board, we should take this thread to 60-66 or engine forums.
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Hello Aksctsmn, yes the wrap around windshield is a dead giveaway that you have a 60-63 body. The frame will be stamped with the serial number. Very likely on the left front frame horn. As Hambone and Rusty have suggested, posting your questions in the 60-66 forum is the thing to do.
Welcome to the "Bolt"
John
Last edited by J Lucas; 02/06/20213:57 PM.
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Welcome to Stovebolt and congrats on a nice looking panel. Consider yourself at home.
As mentioned, the best place to get answers is the garage forums where most of us "live". But that being said, I am not sure about the tranny from a Caprice but they do make an automatic floor shifter that bolts on to the back of most transmissions. I have one on my 700R4 tranny in my 37 pickup. You do loose a little floor space but it may not be a big deal to you? A 67/68 column is nice and may be a bolt in for you. It nice and slim with turn signals/horn and automatic shift. One in a salvage yard should be fairly economical.
Good luck and visit often. great group of guys hang out here.
Thanks to everyone that responded to my original post. I will move my original post to one of the garage forms. I should have read the title to my truck more closely. It does say that its a 63. (VIN 3C145S1435900) The previous owner installed the GMC grill but did give us the Chevy grill. He gave us the heater but we haven't installed it yet. As soon as we fix the transmission shifting issue we can move the truck around much easier. I not comfortable with the way the truck shifts at the moment. It's awkward if you shift wrong and get stuck in traffic. I am leaning towards getting a floor mounted shifter. Trying to find older parts in Alaska can be challenging. Having things shipped here can be expensive.
