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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 20
Grease Monkey
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OP
Grease Monkey
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 20 |
Can anyone tell me what's needed, and how tough it may be, to convert '50 tin woody wagon column shift 3-speed to a PowerGlide? Can I retain the same steering column? Can the 3 speed column shift linkage be swapped out for automatic shift parts? Can I just remove the clutch pedal and keep the brake?
If anyone has done this or has any insights, I'd like to know.
Thanks folks.
Mike Ahlmann
Las Cruces, NM
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 11,162
ChatMaster - 10,000
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ChatMaster - 10,000
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 11,162 |
What engine do you have?
yes it is a big job.......
Life's a long winding trail, love Jesus and ride a good horse!
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141 |
First problem would be the frame. The automatic frame transmisssion crossmember sets farther back than a 3 speed. The diagonal braces are also diggerent. The original 216 engine wouls have to be replaced with a 235. The rear axle ratio would need to be changed to a ao=utomatics or the engine will be screaming.
The clutch and brake peadals both mount to the master cylinder. You would need an auto, M/cyl or a special reatiner to hold the brake pedal ito the M/cyl. Steering column is the same but different shift linkage would be needed.
The auto. has a larger exhaust system and a transmission fluid cooler would be necessary.
Heavier front coil springs are required.
To me it would not be worth the problems that would come up.
Gene Schneider
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 11,162
ChatMaster - 10,000
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ChatMaster - 10,000
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 11,162 |
After you assemble "everything that you need" as the project progresses you will be finding a lot of other stuff you will beed or need to change. I wouldn't start unless you have a complete operating donator parts car beside the one you are working on.
Life's a long winding trail, love Jesus and ride a good horse!
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 20
Grease Monkey
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OP
Grease Monkey
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 20 |
Here's an expanded version of my great plan. As acquired, my '50 had a 216 engine and 3 speed manual tranny. I am planning on making it a somewhat period correct "hot rod" with a "modern" 235 from a '60 Chevy. I want to use Fenton dual carb and dual exhaust manifolds and go to 3.55 rear gear. My wife wants the Powerglide for ease of driving and convenience.
We have a '58 Impala show car in nearly 1000 point condition. We have found we enjoy touring and cruising much more than showing and judging so we're making this one a cruiser. The Powerglide was offered as an option in '50 so I figure the pieces must exist somewhere.
having to change the master cylinder was a bit of a surprise but makes sense.
Can anyone tell me if the drive shaft is the same between the automatic and the 3 speed?
Thanks for all the great information. It is much appreciated.
Mike Ahlmann
Las Cruces, NM
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141 |
The drive shaft and torque tube are the same length.
Gene Schneider
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