I have a 350 automatic trans I am planning on putting in my 58, the trans is out of a 79 chevy 1/2ton P/U that I have and was wondering if anyone has used the trans bracket in their truck that is like the one in this 79 parts truck I have and would it work in my 58? this bracket or (crossmember)is pretty much flat and bolts to the lower inside part of the passenger side of the frame and then goes underneath and straight up and bolts to the outside of the drivers side.I know I can buy the after market ones they make but was wondering if this one could be used as I already have it and looks like the frame's are the same width at this location but the frame on the 79 might be taller in height,reason I ask is I dont have the crossmember out of the 79 yet and havent done any serious measering yet on my 58. Thanks for any input!Allen
Does your truck still have the original motor mounts, 2 on the front of the engine and 2 on the bellhousing?
Hey Don, Yes , my 58's Frame is still stock, front engine mounts are still their(stock riveted to frame) and stock bell housing crossmember is still intack (Frame is original V8 Frame.) I want to put this 350/350 combo out of this 79 truck I got from my nephew that has a good running 350 engine and trans and would get my Cameo up and running. I was told that the side engine mounts would not work in my 58 frame from the 79 from one person but didn't talk about the trans mount. I guess while I am asking,and to be sure now, would you know if the side engine mounts would evan work ? It would be nice if they did as this is a pretty clean set up. FWIW,I still have the engine sitting in the 79's stripped frame and just pulled the tranny out so far. Thanks for your help,Allen
Looks like I answered my own ? I was able to get the crossmember off the 79 and test fit it on my 58,looks like the stock master cylinder is in the way,and the cab mount to would be in the way.
I used aftermarket crossmembers for both the side motor mounts and the rear transmission mount. I left the front mounts in place on the motor just to locate the position of the new crossmember & side mounts. Then once the side mounts were in place, I removed the old trans/bellhousing, installed the transmission (TH350) and installed the trans mount. Then I removed the old front mounts. The old bellhousing mounts are no longer used, but I left the old crossmember in place.
I went from a 235, 3 speed to a 283 with a 350 trans. I used the front mounts from the 235 to line the positon of the 283, then used an aftermarket crossmember for the engine side mounts. I then took the old trans mount and moved it back on the frame to line up with the 350 tail mount. Drill new holes and mounted the crossmember to the frame. Mounted the trans rear mount right on the old crossmember. Worked out good. Les
Hey Don,and Les,Thanks for your replys couple of ?'s to you both,the motor out of the 79 has its original HEI distributor and I would like to keep it if possible,(I do have an older accel dual point distributor that I got way back when that I could put in but think the HEI would be better)but in reading in the forums their is not room at the fire wall, did you guys run into this and what are you using? Les do you still have the original straight axle in your truck or running IFS? doesn't the rear leaf spring mounts come into play with removing the stock trans crossmemeber? did you have to do anything for the mounts if you still have the straight axle,I like the Idea of moving the stock crossmember back any clearance issues with the master cylinder or cab mounts? Sorry for so many ?'s But you guys sparked my intrest!!! Thanks again,Allen
Sorry one more ? A friend of mine has a 58 in PHX and said that the three pc front engine mount he has has cracked a few times since he's had it! My ? is, is their mounts to stay away from and better ones to go with as far as quality goe's? Thanks again,Allen
AZ, I'm just coming back from having double knee replacement surgery 5 weeks ago and I'll see if I can help you with some of your questions without having to crawls up and under the truck. I'll give you run down of what I have done and you can take it from there. I kept the straight axle, (added power steering GM 800 series) I like the look, but I know it not the most confortable ride, then again I don't plan any cross country trips, just local rides. I changed all my spring over to mono springs, front and rear, that lower the truck about 3 to 4 inches. I changed the rear to a 9 inch ford 3:55 posi and installed disc brakes on the rear and also the front axle. I changed the brakes over to a firewall mount power brake booster.When I moved the transmission mount back I had no problems with the rear leaf spring or the cab mount. I did add a HEI distributor to the 283 I installed and had no clearance problems. This has been a 10 year project and I'm close to getting finished, just have to rewire the truck and install the front clip. I hope this helps. Les
Hey Les, Wow! Both Knees, I hope you are on the road to recovery and up and Trucken and feeling Better! I do Thank you for your time. My hart says stay with the straight axle too.as I have chromed just about everything up front on my Cameo,Ive had my truck since 16 and am allot older now (WAY).Really dont think Ill ever have the money to make it ride and drive like a Corvette, but do appreciate the hard work the guys that have done an IFS.Soo old school is the way for me right now. I do have an early dual quad manifold and carbs off a Vette so it will go fast (don't think it will STOP fast tho) so really thinking disc brake set up upfront. I hope to get my truck back on the road and relive my High school days Soon. Some DAY!!!!Thanks again for your time and hope your feeling better Allen,Payson AZ
