The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks Looking for Advice

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.

Probably the best way to solve the problem is to procure an aftermarket column designed for an automatic transmission. It may require some modification to the steering shaft and rag joint but would make a big difference. You are probably limited with wrecking yards where you are to find something else that would work. An 88 truck engine and transmission would mirror what you have except for the throttle body injection, computer, and wire loom. Sort out the shifting issue and you should have a good driver.
Fred

There are bunches of cable-operated floor shifters, both original equipment and aftermarket, that could be installed quickly and easily, at a lot less effort and expense than doing an engine swap. If the engine you're currently running has a carburetor and a distributor, why go to the effort and expense of changing to a fuel injected engine with a computer, and probably a computer-controlled transmission as well? It would probably take an experienced hotrodder a very short time to solve the column shift problem you're having, but the floor shift is most likely the simplest, most hassle-free method of solving the shifter problem.
Jerry

Hello and Welcome. I have a 68 C10 that the prior owner/s had put in a 89 Pontiac 305 ci motor ( looks exactly like any SBC motor) with a Holley 4 Bbl along with a 92 Pontiac Trans Am 4L60 (not an E, Not a computer trans) 4 spd overdrive . . . . . .AND HERE'S WHERE YOUR AUTO LINKAGE HOOKUP TO THE THREE ON THE TREE (TOTT) LINKAGE COMES INTO PLAY. Yes mine also was hooked up just like yours but it didn't have any problems like "locking up" as you claim, mine would shift from park down to low position with out catching on any stops ( just slid from top to bottom). Is your trans a 3 spd T350 or a 4 spd OD 4L60 (Former 700R4 family)? Here's what I did when I found a 69 C10 Auto Column and re designed it to accommodate the OD shift pattern at top and bottom of the column. I hope the pictures download onto here.

I hope my explanation wordings above and below in pics is understood, if not post what you don't understand and I'll get back with you.
Pic 1 and 2 shows where I cut out metal for the extra room I needed.
Pic 3 shows how the OEM pattern at the Shift indicator is for a 3 SPD and the re designed pattern for my 4L60 OD trans at the shift indicator location.
Pic 4 shows where I will Weld on a piece of metal for the Shift lever to ride/rest on.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I have located a friend that rebuilds transmissions for a living. He has suggested I install a floor shifter which he has agreed to do for me as soon as it starts to warm up in Alaska. This will solve my shifting issues and make it much easier to move our truck around. Next question. We would like to upgrade the brakes so that we have power disc brakes. Is this a complicated process. I have found several sites that sell kits to do the conversion. Would this be the best route to go or should I look into using the running gear from a newer truck? Thanks for your input.

You keep using the words "drive train" and "running gear". Let us know what you want, what you don't like other than the trans linkage which Jerry already said should be changed to Lokar or equivalent.

We don't know if you have a 700r4 or a 350 or what transmission. We don't know what a 88 "drive train" does for you. "Bolt on"? sort of, after a whole lot of work with equipment and skills. After rebuilding the 88 with equipment and skills.

Generally speaking, a 1964 Chevy truck has fairly modern axles, differential and etc. So hence the question "what are you trying to improve".

Chugiak seems to have few streets and is near a highway. I would imagine slippery conditions many parts of the year. So I would imagine high speeds are not important. But not sure what "driving experience" you want to experience. Leave the good old truck alone and drive carefully. These is a lot less to go wrong with a carb vs injection.

Disc brakes may be a good idea in wet environment, but no help in snow or ice. The "power" part is just easier to push the pedal.
I would concentrate on the heater, defrost (which is missing) and good tires

Not sure but seems you are asking about things you can do but are having someone else do them. Any kit made for your truck will work on your truck depending on what the goal is.

BTW: Nice panel.
BTW: It's not a 1964. If the hood is correct, it's a 1962 or 1963 Chevy with a GMC grill. The VIN may help.
Gauge cluster is custom aftermarket from what I see.

Have a helper hold the shift lever so the tang is in the notch of the shift arm that the shift rod to trans is attached to and tack good with a welder. You will have a bullet proof auto trans shifter.