The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline 1954 Hydramatic ???

Got a chance to get a 1954 hydramatic with torque tube to install in my 54. I currently run the 3 on the tree. What would be the advantage? Pros and Cons?
Thanks,

You'll need to get the frame and the cab of the truck it came from. There were several major modifications involved, crossmembers, different floor pan hole in the cab, etc. You might be able to make it fit into your chassis, but not without some pretty extensive changes.
Jerry

I did that exact swap. I bought a rolling chassis with what I thought was most everything. The frame is different as mentioned in that it has bolt in, heavier crossmembers so that the trans can be removed from under the truck. The brake line routing is different for the same reason. I was told that the master cylinders were different but they appeared the same although I did not risk it and used the H-M master cylinder. Make sure you have all linkage, the sterring column is actually the same except for the shifter, the indicator will bolt on where the 3 speed shifter mounted. There is also a neutral start switcj mount that clamps on the column under the hood. Starter is different because it uses a solenoid start. Driveshaft length is different. There will be a pushbutton starter swith above the headlight switch. The transmission cover plate is different to allow access to the bellhousing bolts. Although there were different cabs for this cover, your 3 speed cab can be cut to fit and will be close but without the recess for the cover and actually, there are some strengthening ribs that are slightly different. H-M used a different carb with an electric choke but that is ot really an issue. There is an adapter plate that goes between the engine and transmission. GMC and Chev use completely different linkage and shifters so your donor vehicle needs to be correct manufacturer. The pivot on the side of the block is different and in the other locating point. All this being said, I really enjoy the truck more now that it is H-M and would not consider having it any other way now. Here are a few of my webshots pics that show the switch process. If you look around my webshots, you will also find a display pic of everything needed for the swap on a GMC. Enjoy! http://rides.webshots.com/album/399976892eMbHYm?start=0

Here are pictures of the differences in a '54 GMC. The Chevy will be similar.

ok this seems like way more than i wanted to get into. From my understanding the tranny is from a 54 chevy and i am going to put into a 54 chevy. I thought this may have been a direct switch with just the linkage, torque tube etc to change, but this seems like a lot more than i am willing to get into right now. It doesnt help that the drive train is in seattle and i am south fla. Shipping??? Thanks for all of the advise I'll keep the 3 on the tree.

There's an adapter kit available to swap a Turbo 350 or 700R4 into your truck, and bolt it up to the original stovebolt engine. It does require switching to an open driveline, however. I believe a center chunk from a later model pickup will bolt into your existing housing, but you'll need to set the pinion angle correctly and weld the pivots at the rear springs to make that conversion work.
Jerry

The H-M is a great switch but if you think locating the transmission puts you in the home stretch of having it done, you will be disappointed with the amount of work you get yourself into. I got lucky and found a guy that was cutting up an original truck to make a street rod. I got almost all of what I needed one stop shopping.