The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline 3sp to auto conversion’65 C-10 I-6

Trying to make vehicle more user friendly to the females in the household. Don’t tell me to keep it stick, that is just not an option. What needs to be changed to get rid of the 3 speed column shift and go to a column shift automatic. The engine is a 230 I-6. Does it require a bell housing change? What transmission can be used with the least amount of fabrication? This vehicle has some sentimental value to the female side of the family so a full on LS swap is not in the plans. What advise and words of wisdom can y’all provide. Thanks

The bellhousing will be part of the replacement auto transmission. Lots of options depending on overdrive or not.
TH350, PG, TH400, 700R4, 2004R will all work. The last one we did was on a 64, the rear crossmember was removed
and an aftermarket replacement was installed for the rear mount. Will need a flex plate, kick down cable, and an oil cooler
either remote or part of a replacement radiator. A driveshaft modification will also be required.
Fred

Martin, where have you been? Missed you. Should be a "fairly" easy swap as Fred indicates. I don't know if 230 motor has side mounts or front. If front, you have to switch to side mounts. Anyway You can use a universal tubular trans crossmember. No welding required.
Fred did not say how to handle the shift? Cable seems to be easier than linkage. A th350 is the best for your needs. you can do a lokar floor shift, very pricey.
This is the best idea I've seen for DIY. Many have copied it and refined it. Basically welding forks together. Making a tooth "detent" plate and a "dog" tooth. Be sure to incorporate a Neutral Safety Switch (NSS).
I'm sure the internet is full of info on "three on tree to automatic". Keep us updated on your thoughts and decision and questions.

Before you decide on the transmission, evaluate how much highway speed driving will be done and what your current rear gear ratio is. A numerically high (like 4.11:1) rear end used a lot for highway driving would probably be more comfortable with an OD transmission. If just used mostly for quick trips to the Dairy Queen a TH350 will do the job.

Any automatic transmission from a Chevy V8 equipped vehicle used from the mid 1960's to the early 90s will be a bolt-on fit to the 230/250/292 six, with nothing but a flywheel change and possibly a different starter. The bellhousing shape is the same on the sixes and 8s (even the Mercruiser 4 cylinder) from 1963 and up. I'd suggest a simple TH 350 3 speed. They're rugged, easy to rebuild if necessary, and pretty plentiful. The TH400 consumes too much power internally- - - -it was designed for heavy vehicles and high torque V8s- - - -Buick , Olds, Cadillac, big block Chevy, etc. A 400 is also about 50 pounds heavier than a 350. RUN- - - - -do not walk away from the 700R4 and/or the 2004R transmissions- - - - -they're an unreliable PITA! A 4L60 requires an expensive stand-alone computer controller, since it has shift solenoids that are controlled by the vehicle computer on later model applications- - - -1990s and up, IIRC.

A TH 350 will be the simplest way to besome a "shiftless Okie!
LOL!
Jerry

I'd second that!

Thanks everyone for your insight and advice. Probably a Fall project. Will have to find an automatic column to swap out. I have a TH350, flywheel, torque converter and flex plate out in the container.

A properly built and adjusted 700r4 or 200 4r are good transmissions. People that don’t adjust the TV cable properly and never service the fluid in them make them get a bad rap.