The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop JiMerit Adaptor Plate

In a recent post you talked about making an adaptor plate for a stock bellhousing to fit a S-10 T5 and that Buffalo makes one.

On the Onliner site the Buffalo page is vague and do not show an email or web site so I'll need to call them.

Could you please tell me about the adaptor you made. I have a 46 1/2 ton. You adapted between the bellhousing and trans to keep the pedals and brackets?

Please tell me more!

46SortaStock -

If you want to email me direct, I can give you all the information you need. I have a Buffalo adapter plate and can show you what I'm doing with my 37 1/2 ton pickup. I have the same stock set up you have and I am preparing to install a T-5.

On my 37 I used a 48-53 truck clutch housing which bolts in and will accept a variety of GM car and later light truck trannies including the T-5. I did this was done before any any adapters were available.I did some grinding and made brackets to attach the original pedal assembly on the housing.Some guys make a steel plate to hold the pedals, the other end of the plate bolts to the frame rail.Besides the adapter you speak of, I'm told Jim Carter trucks sells 48-53 housings allready modified to accept the pedals.

46

Jim Merrit sent you a pretty long email and it bounced. So, he sent it here to HQ and we forwarded it on to your email ... and it bounced. So, you may want to check with Jim AND maybe see why your email isn't getting through.

I think he has some good info for you.

Peg

OK, the '46 truck bellhousing and the modern trans:

These units were used on all Chevy trucks from about 1938-47 and have cast-in mounts for pedals/master cyl bracket. Also the transmission bounting holes are closer together so none of the 50s tranys will bolt up.
The easy fix is to go to the early 50s truck housing, which has the later trany pattern, same rubber mounts etc, but no pedal mount. However, the best solution around when it comes to using the T-5 trans with it's longer input shaft, is to keep that 40s bellhousing and use Buffalo's adaptor plate. With this adaptor the long T-5 input is not a problem and you'll not have to fabricate new pedal mounting surface. Buffalo can be reached at (360) 652-7684. What he lacks in the catalog dept. he more than makes up for in solutions to any and all mods for early Chevy trucks and cars. His workmanship is first rate.
I hope this is the info you needed [censored], just get back to me with any other questions.

THANKS!

Jim, I finally figured out that my email in my profile was not current.

A while back someone mailed me pictures of the brackets that they were making. I am aware of the Jim Carter bell housing but $100 seems too much to me.

I kinda hoped that the adaptor would use up the 1/4" or 3/8" lenght problem on the tranny input shaft. I'll give Buffalo a call. I meant to do that today but forgot. Work has a tendency to get it the way of my truck project productivity.

I just got a 89 S-10 T5 and it has the electronic speedo connector. When I buy aftermarket electronic guages will their sending unit be compatible?

I call myself 46SortaStock because I want the feel of the old truck with 235 and stick shift but I desire the open driveshaft with "modern" brakes and dual master cylinder. I plan to use a kit to put disc brakes on the stock spindles and straight axle.

You can make this T-5 swap work in your 46 without the adaptor or special bell housing, it's just more work. You'll just need to make some sort of bracket to mount the pedal assy to. I ended up with the adaptor because a friend offered to attempt to make one for me. It worked fine and the price was right. Another local buddy used the 1951 bell housing for his 41 pickup and it's fine. He had to do the usual mods the tech tips talk about re. the T-5, plus make an adaptor for his pedals. This T-5 is especially great in our early 40s trucks vs. the saginaw and other as the truck is so narrow.

About the electronic speedo, the folks I contacted with that very same question only offered to sell me an adaptor to my old speedo for about $300. Don't remember who I talked to, one of the major online speedo experts. So I found another trany with the old cable set up. You may want to post that question on the web site.
Sounds like your plan is similar to mine, leaning towards stock but want to make it all more livable. I'm planning the front disc job also, want 6 lug set up to keep my 15" artillery wheels.
Best of luck