VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1958-1960 1960 Chevrolet C10

I would like to convert my 1960 Chevrolet C10 to Powerglide. Currently it is a 235 6 cyl, with 3 speed column shift transmission. What will I need to do this conversion using all correct parts as it would have had in 1960 with the Powerglide. What adapter between block and transmission , what year Power glide will fit, any different rear mounts on motor ,
what mounts are required on transmission, and what else would have to be changed? I know I have to install a new steering column. Does anyone know where all these items would be available from? I have been searching online for this info and haven't had any luck. It sems a Powerglide wasn't very popular in 1960 C10 6 cyl pickups.
Thanks for any help anyone can giver me.
Regards,
James Orr

While I know this will be a difficult task your best path would be to find a 1960 Powerglide donor truck. Otherwise you will need to spend a of of time researching the parts catalog to find all the differences. And then you will have to find or fabricate the parts.

For example, the pedal assemblies are different for an automatic vs manual truck. I expect that the driveshaft length is different. You might even need to change the rear axle ratio to get acceptable performance. The wiring harness will need to be modified to adapt to the start switch so the engine will start only in park or neutral.

If it were me I would not attempt the conversiom unless I also had a matching truck for donating all the weird parts thar you will need.

I have been looking for a doner truck for a while and that combination seems to be pretty uncommon. Does anyone know of one available? Most people just recommend replacing the engine and trans with a 350 and a turbo 350 trans, but I wanted to keep it more original. But it is beginning to look like I may have to reconsider. I appreciate every ones help and comments. Even if I went to a V8 I would want a 283 and still a Powerglide. I try to keep older vehicles as close to original as possible. I know my 235 6 cyl that's in the truck would not be correct with a Powerglide because it is solid lifters and with a Powerglide it would have hydraulic lifters. But I was going to just live with that. All suggestions and ideas are welcome.
Regards,
j7l2