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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 112
Shade Tree Mechanic
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OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 112 |
Which model years between 50 and 52 would be the best for towing a SMALL camper. We are retired and ready to travel and thought it would be fun to travel in vintage style. My wife would like a convertible and I would like to take a sedan and make some modifications and still keep it a 6 cylinder. Anyone have any experience or ideas. I do not want to do another total restoration any longer but willing to buy something nice.
Thanks for any input.
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,620 Likes: 5
ChatMaster - 3,000
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ChatMaster - 3,000
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,620 Likes: 5 |
Any one of them would be fine... but it also depends how factory correct you want to be with the car. The available motors were the 216 mated to a 3 speed tranny, or a 235 mated to a 2speed powerglide auto. Obviously the powerglide would have a little more pep for pulling a trailer. If factory correct is not important, you can transplant a full oil pressure 235 from a '53 or later car, or a 261 for some real power. There are also some hop-ups like dual carbs and exhaust that can be done easily enough. As far as the body style goes, the convertible costs 3-4 times more than a coupe or sedan, and the frame has a lot more flex without the fixed top. Added weight may affect the frame long term. I've seen people in our club pull Bolers or Trillium trailers with sedans for years. I'm sure some of the newer trailers are even lighter. Another bit of advice... If you are travelling for a week at a time type of thing, having a convertible adds to the stress of needing good weather. These old cars are nowhere near as watertight as a newer car.
Last edited by brewster; 10/01/11 10:46 PM.
Those accustomed to the finest...find it in Chevrolet.
1953 Belair Convertible
1951 2dr Deluxe Sedan
2015 GMC SLE 4X4
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 112
Shade Tree Mechanic
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OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 112 |
Thanks for all the good information. My wife now agrees that a metal roof would be best in this situation. Hope we find a nice one soon. I wonder how hard it is to find a 261?
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Joined: Jan 2002
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141 |
Actually the stick shift 216 with the stock 4.11 ratio would be best for pulling a trailer on the highway. The Power Glide with the 3.54 ratio losses a lot of power under 60 MPH.
A 1953 0r 1954 stick with a 235 engine and a 3.70 ratio would be a better choice. The 1954 will have a fullpressure oiling engine.
Gene Schneider
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Joined: Nov 2007
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ChatMaster - 3,000
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ChatMaster - 3,000
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,620 Likes: 5 |
Gene... would swapping the rear end out fix the low end power? Most people swap out the sticks rear end for the better fuel savings and lower RPM of the powerglide rear end, but would a swap the other way benefit the auto for trailer towing, or was it only offered with the taller rear end to compensate for other problems? I really wasn't thinking rear end ratios, as most people swap them around anyway, and our VCCA judges don't open them up during judging! And does a 3 speed bolt directly to a 235?
Those accustomed to the finest...find it in Chevrolet.
1953 Belair Convertible
1951 2dr Deluxe Sedan
2015 GMC SLE 4X4
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801 Likes: 1
ChatMaster - 3,000
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ChatMaster - 3,000
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801 Likes: 1 |
"Obviously the powerglide would have a little more pep for pulling a trailer".
No, no ..... using a 3 speed with its 4:11 will give the pep, the P.G. will not be the answer for towing a trailer.
1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door sedan / purchased from second owner 6-19-2000.
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 89
Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 89 |
Yes, you can take the 216 flywheel, clutch, and bell housing add it to the 235 and the 3 speed will bolt right in. 
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