Thread: Need To Glide(Power that is)

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Need to ask about my same 1953 Chevy two door sedan. I am currently in the process of pulling out my 3 speed manual to put in a just purchased powerglide 2 speed auto. My question is are all of the powerglides from all years the same as far as bell housing? Meaning, no matter what year should I be able to bolt it up to my 235 six? This knowing driveline and rear end are getting changed as well. Thanks in advance.

It has to be a cast iron 'glide to fit a 235, the aluminum ones will not fit.The V-8 iron trans has to have the front bell swapped for the six banger piece.

Why!!! We used to throw Glides away. A 3 speed work so much better with these old Chevys.

Oh okay, I'm not sure which one I bought but there might be a sure chance that it is a V-8 iron trans. If it is would I have to us the bell off of another powerglide or could it be from my 3 speed manual? Or is that a dumb question?

Originally Posted by Oldf100fordman

Why!!! We used to throw Glides away. A 3 speed work so much better with these old Chevys.

I really dont have fun driving my 3 speed manual. i want the auto for the drivability. Plus imma 24 year old automotive painter who doesn't know a whole lot about mechanics and my clutch is slipping so imma toss it out. Maybe im just lazy, either way.

You need the bell off a 6-cylinder 'glide. It's no easy swap either, the converter has to be dissassembled to get it off, and the pump is in the bell that you are changing. Take it to a transmission shop to get it done if you're not familiar with antique automatics.
Speaking as one with too much experience with these old 'glides, I recommend that you fix your clutch. You will be disappointed in the car with a Powerslide. It will be easier and quicker to swap in a V8 with a modern 3-speed auto than monkeying around with the 2-speed, especially if you're doing an open drive conversion anyway.

Originally Posted by R Pope

You need the bell off a 6-cylinder 'glide. It's no easy swap either, the converter has to be dissassembled to get it off, and the pump is in the bell that you are changing. Take it to a transmission shop to get it done if you're not familiar with antique automatics.
Speaking as one with too much experience with these old 'glides, I recommend that you fix your clutch. You will be disappointed in the car with a Powerslide. It will be easier and quicker to swap in a V8 with a modern 3-speed auto than monkeying around with the 2-speed, especially if you're doing an open drive conversion anyway.

Thanks your a lot of help. I definitely will use your advice.