The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop '57 283 into '59 truck. What bellhousing?

My '59 Apache currently has a 235 and 3-speed. The engine is real tired and I plan to swap it for a 283 V8 from a '57 Belair. Other than that I plan to keep it as original as possible and not loose that "old truck" feeling, so no modern upgrades unless I have to.
I intend to use the original 3-speed but the bellhousing will of course have to be changed. The engine, being an early smallblock, has not got the middle sidemounts or bosses for them. This means I'll have to use the front engine mounts and a bellhousing that has the mounting ears for the trans crossmember as per original.
What bellhousing will work here?
My guess is I'll have to use an original cast iron early V8 housing, but can I use one from a car or are they different in the trucks? What years will work?

Also, are the trans crossmember and front crossmembers the same for six and V8 trucks?

Grateful for any input.

Anders, Norway

Hy 59 Rocket, you will have to use a bellhousing from a truck, they have a single mounting hole for securing to the crossmember a 1/2" nc, the bellhousing from a V8 55B to 68 or there about. You will also have to purchase the mounting brackets for the front crossmember of the frame, these were not put on at the factory if the truck was not equipped with a V8 engine. There are many vendors which offer a complete kit for this conversion, with all the front mount pieces for the V8, hope that helps.

Thanks for the info 3B!

So, what I need is a V8 truck bellhousing and a kit like this: http://www.classicparts.com/1955-59-Original-V-8-Conversion-Set/productinfo/79-375/

Just one thing.. You say I can use a bellhousing up to 68. I seem remember having read that some 60's trucks had hydraulic clutches, are the housings the same?

My 283 came out of a car with Powerglide so I'll also be needing a flywheel, starter and so on. I understand that in this application I'll have to use a starter with three bolts that mount to the bellhousing so I'll need a flywheel that works with this. From what engines can I use the flywheel? (I assume that 6-cylinder parts don't work).

Sorry about the "newbie" questions, I'm just not that into GM drivetrains and it's kinda hard to explain what I mean sometimes as english is far from my daily language..

Hydraulic clutch bellhousings have the hole for the throwout fork on the passenger's side. You'll need a bellhousing for the mechanical linkage models prior to the use of the hydraulic type.
Jerry

The hydraulic bell housing was only used for about 3 years 60-62. You seldom run into one. You can use the flywheel & bell hous. from 55-72 v-8's & 63-72 6 cyl. trucks. Its true the starter will mount to the bell housing with 3 bolts, one coming in from the front. You have selected the correct front mount kit.

Hy 59 Rocket, yes as Wrenchbender Ret. says, that is the correct kit with all the parts you need to mount the front of the engine. And Wrenchbender Ret. also gave you the correct advice about the bellhousing, flywheel, and starter, there are a couple of flywheel choices I believe, based on what size of clutch you want to use, I just had a thought, you will also need a throttle linkage kit for a V8, which can also be purchased from many vendors hope that helps, and don't be afraid to ask more questions.