The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop question on buying a thrifmaster Automatic

How much do you think I should pay, what is the view on that transmission is it reliable, found one on craigslist still attached to a 54 GMC looks like. Not sure the tonage on the truck i have 3/4 ton if his is a half ton will it still work? Thank you for reading this.

In 1954, Thriftmaster was a name given to one of the two configurations of Chevrolet 235 truck engines.

The drive shaft set up (lengths and u-joints) on a Hydra-Matic equipped truck are different than on a manual transmission truck.

Anything can be made to work but you would have to do some modifications in drive-shaft length and on the connection of the drive-shaft to the rear of the transmission. You will also need the frame cross member for the transmission rear mount (the cross member and mount are unique to the Hydra-Matic).

I think you need first to be sure what it really is. Is the transmission a Hydra Matic or a Powerglide? If you're looking at a Chevy motor in a GMC it could be anything.

You'll also need to cut your floor pan for the Hydra-Matic. It would be nice to get the floor cover from the Hydra-Matic truck, too.

the floor pan has holes the size of Texas in it I need a new one so I can definitely look into that. Also how would I be able to tell between a hydromatic and a powerglide? sorry for the newbee question, really I have never messed with a transmission before, not sure it is a smart thing to do for a newjack but hey if i mess it up my wifes cousin has a tranny shop ill have to pay him but hey...

Post a link to a picture of the transmission and someone can most likely tell you what it is not (telling you exactly what it is a little more difficult).

Here are some pics that may help. I changed my truck from a 3 speed on the column to hydra-matic. I collected a complete hydra-matic rolling chassis and it was still an undertaking. I would not have it any other way now though. http://rides.webshots.com/album/327517089tVesKL

Maybe if you understand the reasons for some of the differences, it will make more sense. The frame is different so that the crossmembers bolt in so that trans can be removed from ubder the truck. Brake line routing is different fot the same reason. As Cletis mentioned, the firewall and trans cover are different so that access can be given to the bellhousing bolts from inside the cab. The starter is solenoid start instead of foot stomper so you get a neutral safety switch. Obviously linkage is different ( it is even different between same year GMC and Chevy trucks) and carb would have auto choke instead of manual choke. Tim already mentioned the driveshaft length difference. Hope this helps.