The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 54 Pickup Starter 235

My starter locked up. What all years will fit my 235? I have converted to 12 volts and have the original automatic...

John,

That is a very tough question to answer. If you have the original Hydra-Matic transmission (with enclosed driveshaft in a 1/2 ton truck), that engine/transmission combination had a starter that was only used for 1.5 years (1954-1955-1st series) and it was 6 volt. With manual transmission trucks that have 12v 235 engines, the flywheel teeth were different from the 6-volt 235s (and 216s) and just about any 12v starter from 1955-1962 (at least) would work.

Do you have a Hydra-Matic transmission (in 1954, it would have an enclosed driveshaft if it was a 3100 1/2 ton model).

Tim

When you converted to 12volts, did you continue to use the 6 volt starter? The 12v. starter has a different ring gear on the flywheel...assuming that you have a manual transmission. I wasn't aware that the pick-up had the powerglide option like the cars. Is that what you mean by "original automatic"?

Keep track of the nose piece of your original starter. It will bolt onto a car starter and you will be in business. I used a 6V HydraMatic starter and put a 12V solenoid on it. I was told that the 6V solenoid would work but would be too damaging to the flywheel teeth from hard hitting and did not want to have to find another flywheel.

I was told that in 54 it was the 1st year for an automatic in a chevy pickup, however, the power glide wasn't strong enough so GM used a Olds automatic transmission? Anyway, Reverse is clear down at the bottom and Reverse is also park. it does have an enclosed drive shaft and the starter has 9 teeth? I may just try to have this starter rebuilt to 12 volts if it is possible...

54 was the first year for Hydra in Chev. GMC got it in 53. You are right about the shift positions L to R is N 1-4 1-3 1-2 R which as you mentioned is park when the engine is not running. I converted my 54 to HydraMatic. Tim has an original 54 HydraMatic truck.

That's interesting that they used the Hydramatic. GM lost their 1 million+ square foot hydramatic facility in Livonia, Michigan in 1953. They must have figured out someplace else to build that transmission...and then put it in your truck.

Here is an article about the 1953 Hydra-Matic plant fire. The fire did not seem to have a significant impact on the availability of GMC and Chevrolet truck Hydra-Matics (maybe because the numbers were low or the Hydra-Matic was back in production within about a month and a new plant in production in 3 months?).

Thank you very much for that artical that was interesting. I just bought this truck about a month ago so I have quite a bit to learn...