I have been enjoying driving my recently restored 46 Aerosedan. It's a body-off complete restoration. Mechanically, I have replaced all suspension components--king pins, tie rods, shocks, bearings. Everything is stock except for the engine, which is a rebuilt 53 Powerglide 235, and it also has a 3.55 rear end/ torque tube transplant (also Powerglide, 1950 donor). Rebuilt stock 3 speed transmission. Tires are 5 years old but only have about 1500 miles on them.
So here's my issue: she drives very nicely--handles well (I had it professionally aligned), rides smooth, and the 235 runs excellent and has plenty of power. I have been driving to work frequently, which is about 25 miles one way, 20 of them highway. With the 3.55 rear it will do 80 mph easily, though I like to keep it around 68-70. When I get to right about 66 mph, I get a low vibration/ rumble, sounding like it's coming from the engine/ drivetrain. Funny thing is it comes and goes with different RPM--it dissipates if I get the speed up probably above 75 or so. I wouldn't call it a shimmy--it's not shaking the car and it continues to drive/ handle fine, but it seems like something is not quite right--it's a noticeable vibration or harmonic feedback that does not occur at lower (or higher) speed/ RPM. I know from previous research to check the engine and transmission mounts, which I did and they all were very tight (and they are all new as well). I will be having the tires rebalanced and rotated. I am suspicious/ worried that it's the driveshaft in my transplanted torque tube, and I'm thinking it's maybe time for an Okie bushing? Do 40s Chevies just have a natural rumble/ vibration at modern highway speeds? Should I be concerned about this--is it urgent, or should I keep driving and monitoring it?
I appreciate any feedback and advice from those of you who have been working on and driving these cars much longer than I have! This car is very much a daily driver, although I'll be putting it away for most of the snow season (which is already upon us here in Northern Michigan) here soon.
Try NAPA.....and I would suggest replacing the U joint, Note in removing the front bushing the eraly 1950 had the old dowel pin tyle holding the buhing in place an the later was was ppressd.
Sounds like you have a real hot-rod there. Cruising along at 68-70. Wow!
I stay confused about the innerds of a 53 235.
Check list:
a. Did it have same oiling system as the 54?
b. Did it have babbitt rods?
c. What was the horsepower rating.
d. What other things were different from it and the 216, acknowledging the difference in displacement?
e. What would be the difference in highest speed in your car from a 216 with 4:11 and one with a 235 in same car 2:55? Wasn't about 80 mph top speed for a 216 engine with 4:11 differential.
f. At what point would the taller gearing result in about the same speed. (Seems that I remember that a 50 Ford with overdrive (O/D) ran about as fast as one without the O/D. Too tall a gear with the wind resistance, I suppose.
Thanks. I know Gene is tired of explaining the 53 235 engine to me. Oh, well.
The 1953 235 Power Glide egine is the same as a 1954 engine, In 1953 a 1953 Power Glide won the Mexican Road Race for cars with 115 HP or less. In the 1950 Mexican race all 6 Chevrolets entered finished - the only make to heve all entries finish) The top speed of a 1948-1952 216 was 80 to 85 MPH.....The 1953 235 with PG 90 to 95 MPH. ( I drove my NEW 1953 stick 70 to 75 MPH out west twice in the time I had it - dippers and all.) The stick had a top speed of 90 Mph acccording to Chevrolet Proving Grounds which they said was 6 to 8 NPH faster than a 1952 216.
I cruised my stock '39 with 3,73 geas and my 1950 pg (WHICH i STILL HAVE) AT 65 TO 70 mph.
Chev Nut is correct - 53 Powerglide motor has full pressure oiling and hydraulic lifters. It is a VERY nice upgrade for a 41-48 car, along with the Powerglide rear end. I have a Carter YF carb on it and a Pertronix electronic ignition. It runs so smoothly and has plenty of power- I love getting in the passing lane and punching it to 80+! It is a great car and I'm eager to get these last few issues worked out to make it into a super reliable daily driver.
