The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk old 3 speeds, newer 6's and my wife

I picked up a 51 pickup to build for my wife. she is very fond of the looks of those old trucks. I already have decided to keep it a low HP six because she doesn't particularly enjoy driving any of my faster stuff, she just wants to cruise. My question is transmissions. My first thought was to get a complete 235/three speed drive train.
I have not driven any old three speed trucks but I have to guess they are real truck transmissions, long throws, stiff clutches etc... is that correct.Diane has always driven stick cars but they have been late model Japanese stuff. I have a Muncie laying around as well as a couple TH autos. would my best bet be using a more modern 250 inline with one of those and just fabbing up mounts or can I use a more modern tranny with a 235 saving the older look. Any guidance would be appreciated as this is a totally new world for me.
Thanks
Greg

the 235 with all orig, gear and clutch should not be a problem for her at all, my 3 on the tree is a slick tight pattern no problem

A T5 tranny from an S10 would be a nice choice for your wife...

how about a powerglide?

What dbone said! Mine shifts like a dream!

the 50's 3 speed works fine if everything is in good shape, just no 1st gear syncro, and a 10" clutch isn't tough ... an 11" would help keep her left leg strong enuff to kick yer butt

Bill

Gotta agree, the three speed is great. Really nice to drive. Mine doesnt have the synchronized 1st gear, so you may want to look into using a later model 3 speed, unless she wants to learn to double clutch! If you want to cruise over 50, you may want to look into a rear end upgrade or swap, assuming it still has the enclosed driveline still in it.

Before you get to far, think about what she would like, and what you want to spend to get there. That should help decide. Good luck!

Jeff

Here's my 2 cents:

If she is gonna be cruising highway, then go for the T5 and maybe a rear end upgrade. I am pushing 2500 rpm going 55 on the highway going back and forth from school.

If she is just cruising around town, nothing above 60 mph, you can keep it stock. Plus side by keeping it that ways is I haven't had any tickets for speeding, only if I tried would I, lol.

Just ask her what she wants to do and go from there, good luck!

My wife was the one who wanted the old truck, and she drives it all the time. It has the original 3 speed trans with column shift, and she has no problem driving it at all. She loves it. I will probably do a rear end upgrade someday, but plan to keep the transmission.

i'd put the muncie in, then it would still be a stick shift, but just on the floor, and like 55 newbie said i'd, update the rear end

If you put a t-5 and update the rearend your wife will love you forever !

Anything except a stock type 3- or 4-speed is going to mean a change of rear axle. If you don't mind changing the rear I think the Japanese car reference suggests to me she'd be happiest with the T-5.

Actually I guess there is a kit to convert a Saginaw 4-speed to closed driveline so that would be an option with the stock rear too. An advantage is that a vintage look shifter is available for the Saginaw too.

As to whether you go with a 235 or a 250 that choice is really an independent issue, since you can run any of these transmissions with either motor.

The 235 of course is easier to install than the 250, since the 235 is the same mounting as the stock motor, but the 250 can be done without a lot of trouble.

The motor decision can drive from the look you want, or perhaps from what you find most readily available at your price or in the condition you want.

A few years ago a friend of mine was selling a 250 and Powerglide out of a Camaro. It's long gone now, but at the time I sure considered that package for one of my projects. Would have made a very nice driver.

thanks folks. found a 250 CI across town for $100. since the wife decided she wants an auto and I have a couple TH350s I guess it's a done deal. Now to figure the motor mounts and the rest of the drive train.

I agree.


Cliff59

Inexpensive V-8 type crossmembers available from several vendors would be the easiest way to mount this combination.

With a TH350 and a long-stroke motor the gears can be pretty mileage friendly even under 3:1 so pretty much any 70's or 80's GM rear about 62 inches wide should do the job.

I'd go with the T5.
Bought a 51 last year w/ a T5.
Drives great..inside cab looks stock.I drove cross country...it took 4 different trips about 9,000 miles..very nice setup...specially with today's changing times.