The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Bellhousing Help

I am building a 1951 half ton truck. When I got it it came with a 235 from a 1953 passenger car with powerglide, the first full pressure oil engine. I am having a 235 from a 1957 truck (mechanical lifters) built for it.

Here is a picture of the rear mount on my 1953 engine.

Bellhousing on 1953 - 235 motor

Here is a picture of the bellhousing from the 1957 truck motor.

Bellhousing from 1957 - 235

Will the 1957 bellhousing fit my 1951 frame? It has a sloped corner vs the current setup which has a 90 degree L shaped motor mount. Is there a motor mount that will work with the 1957 bell housing and my frame or should I clean up and use the bellhousing currently installed?

Thanks

Clean up and use the bellhousing that is currently installed, or find another 48-53 bellhousing. The later bellhousing ie 57 would require some fabricating where as the earlier bellhousing will bolt up to engine, frame, and transmissions with no modification.

Todd, DO NOT use either bellhousing that you have on this '51 truck plz! You need to get a '48 to '53 Chevy TRUCK bellhousing because the '54 and later rear motor mounts are DIFFERENT than '53 and before! You need the earlier bellhousing because of the '51 chassis,ok bro? Plus, I suggest you use the 6 volt flywheel, starter,and clutch assembly from the truck! If you dont have it, call Tom Myers at 918-542-3871. tell him what you need and he'll help!there are other options available for your truck to keep your original driveline as well as upgrade that terrible stock transmission! Good Luck, Phillip

Phillip,

I understand that the 48 to 53 truck motor bell housing is different, but I have never seen one, so I don't know what is different about it. I am just assuming that the bell housing that I have came with the 53 passenger car motor. It was bolted in my 51 frame, so I am not sure why I can't reuse it. It does look like the bellhousing was sitting directly on the crossmember. The L shaped motor mounts lined up just right with the holes in the crossmember. I don't know for sure if this bell housing came out of the 53 passenger car or if when the motor swap was done, they reused the truck bellhousing.

Here are a couple more shots of the one that was in the truck. Can you identify it? If it is not a 48-53 truck bell housing, can you tell me why I should use a 48-53 truck version instead?

Passenger side of Bellhousing
Rear view of Bellhousing


I have a 12-bolt rear from a 71 Chevelle (current 2.73 posi. I may switch the gears to 3.55) I also have a T5 transmission from a Chevy S-10. I was planning to put together a clutch like the one in Stovebolt Tech Tips. He used an 11" GM clutch with a Vega clutch hub that he found fit.

The car bellhousing does not have the foot mash starter setup. The one in your picture does so you already have a truck bellhousing and you're good to go.

Curt B.

Thanks Curt!

Todd, I think that is an early car bellhousing, it is hard to see with it still attached and greasy...The '48-'53 bellhousing has the side rear motor mounts PLUS the transmission bolt pattern just like the V_8 trucks...these accept more trans applications AND fit your '51 frame perfectly as factory...thx, P