The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Automatic Transmission

What does it take to put an automatic transmission in a 55 2nd with the 235 engine?

TIA

Hy oldbluetruck, that depends on which transmission you want to install, any of the "modern" aluminum housing transmissions will require a rear support crossmember, and quite possibly relocation of the engine mounts to the side of the engine on the V8s, if it's a six cylinder you will have to buy an adapter kit, to mount any of the "modern" transmissions. Let us know what you're thinking of doing and then we can answer more specifically what would be required, hope that helps.

There is not much you can put behind the 235 without a special adapter. The old hydramatics or cast iron powerglides are heavy & awkward.

You'll need an adaptor plate which is available from www.StoveboltEngineCo.com
You may also want to get a transmission crossmember. Don't forget the oil cooler.

Hi. Thanks for the replies. I am exploring the possibility of putting an automatic on the 55 2nd.

I plan to keep the 235. Mama said it would be nice to be able to drive it without the three speed on the column. So. I wanted to check into the conversion, what is needed, and cost.

I was wondering what transmission would work the best. Where would I find it. What I would need to install it. Do I need to mess with the drive shaft. And how do I set it up to shift/put in gear.

Thanks again to all for your input and information.

Hy oldbluetruck, as we said, you'll need to purchase an adapter kit to install anything but the original Hydramatic or early powerglide. You'll have to install a transmission rear support crossmember, and probably something to support the back of the engine. A new or modified driveshaft will be needed. You could install a floor shifter, or a newer column to shift the transmission, you should install a transmission oil cooler in front of the radiator. There may be some throttle linkage to fabricate to get the transmission to shift correctly, and/or some wiring to do, anyway you slice it, it is a little complicated to swap in an automatic. I don't want to scare you off the job, but I also want you to know that it is a little involved, we will always be here to help.

So, conversion to a modern automatic is quite a production.

The kit from stovebolt engine is only a flywheel and transmission adapter to the engine block. And the cooler would be a small radiator with lines to the front of the truck.

But when it comes to having a shifting mechanism and some wiring there is nothing out there. This has to be fabricated.

Am I going down the right path?

I did not want to go down the hydromatic path. I understand they are almost impossible to rebuild and there are no part or kits available. Then I would have to find the steering column. Almost impossible.

What have any of the others done to put an automatic in your trucks? Any advice?

TIA

Oh. I don't want to give up. Even if I don't do this. We may be able to help someone else.

Thanks again to all for you input and help

Hy oldbluetruck, your statement about the hydramatic is totally false, parts/kits are available, and any competant tranny mechanic with an overhaul manual can rebuild one. As far as the transmission shifter is concerned, B&M for one make a few different choices for this job, the cooler as well has many manufacturers to choose from. I didn't mean to scare you off of this project, just trying to make you aware of all thats required.

I am in the process of installing a TH350 in a 55 1st right now.
I will have pictures by the end of next week.

Old Blue,
Check out Lokars Nastalgia shifter for your truck when ya put in the auto trans.
I love mine ..I always get asked where the clutch pedal is ??..lol
there is a nice pic of it in my gallery page.
Tim

Hi guys. Thanks for all the information. Now we are talking.

So. It looks like the TH350 with the Stovebolt kit will match up to the 235. And the support can be bought to hold it up. I am not sure about the driveshaft. Do I need to have mine modified or have a new one built?

Will this fit without modifying my 55 2nd cab fire wall?

Sorry about the hydramatic comment. That is what I understood from earlier posts/threads/information gatherings. I hope I did not hurt anyones feelings.

And the cool kit is available from many different vendors.

And the Lokars Nastalgia shifter will gives the shifter needed for the transmission to go into gear.

Oh. Something was said about a neutral switch? Wiring?

Anything else?

I would like to check out prices and put a money amount to the parts/modifications needed.

It sounds like the transmission would be the variable cost.

Thanks again for all the time and information.

Didnt want to steal blue sharks thunder. I have an open question in engines forum on swapping a 235 manual w/ a 235 2 speed auto. from a car. will I need a conversion kit? any other issues that I will run into???

Dennis, rather than a TH350, I'd consider a 700-R4 or a 200-4R. These are overdrive trannies.

I read where you were installing a automatic transmission in a 55 1st series. are you keeping the 6 cyclinder or swapping your engine? You said you would have some pictures, if you have them could you send them to my email? [email protected]
Thanks

The 200R4 has better gear spacing than the 700R4. I myself recommend the 200R4.

Here are the latest pics of the 1955 1st I am installing a TH350.

http://picasaweb.google.com/pre68bowtie/19551stTH350Conversion109#

I'm in the bottom 5% of this forum for technical knowledge, but I have done a tranny cooler and it was a beginner job. There are dozens of generic kits for it at any auto parts store, JC Whitney, etc as well as most of the more specialized shops linked on this site. I thought the kickdown linkage was much harder; lots of trial and (mostly) error until I got it right.