I own a restored 61 Apache fleetside and am toying with converting from the 3 spd manual to an automatic, such as a period Powerglide. Any advice on how easy this is, modifications that have to be made, etc? Can I use the existing steering column or was there a different unit for auto trans trucks?
PG conversion in '61 Apache I suggest when doing this conversion, locate a period correct automatic transmission cross member, automatic steering column and shift linkage. I have done the conversion on a few '64-'66 Chevy trucks. One with a donor automatic tranny cross member from a different truck that wasn't period correct and it was butchered in order to clear the era correct Powerglide. I swapped it out for a period correct automatic cross member when swapping out a tired factory 283. Accessibility was a lot better with the engine/tranny out of the truck. The other conversion, I used a period correct cross member, automatic steering column and shift linkage and the process was much easier. The manual shift column has different linkage and will not properly shift an automatic transmission. Finding the period correct equipment will also maintain the integrity and appreciation of your '61 Apache.
Try searching for a T350 crossmember. It should be the same. My 66 had a T350 with the origional crossmember. You missed it by a year, its in junkyard heaven now. Another thing to consider before slapping in a PG is a 700R4 swap. It will give you super great gas milage and purr down the highway. Unless your showing off the bottom of the truck only you know. You will need either a floor shifter or an auto colum. CPP makes a nice tranny mount for the 700R4 and BOW TIE OVERDRIVES has all the other parts and info.
I just swapped my 3 speed with a T 350 and added a Lokar shifter, so far so good. The stock 4:11's only give me 62MPH @ 2900 RPMS. The truck has a heck of a low end now, even being a long bed I get a good take off!
You might need to determine what the impact to the trucks value would be after doing this conversion. If it is a good, numbers matching, restoration you would decrease the value of the truck by changing anything that did not come with it when it was made. If there would be no serious impact to the trucks worth, then follow the advice above and try and find a doner 61 that will give you all the needed period correct components. Steering column, trans crossmember, linkages, etc etc... Val
i have a powerglide i removed from my 64 c10.it worked good when i removed it,but should be checked/rebuilt.in nc.i went with a buick engine and trans.
