Projet1960

Dear friends,
I am converting a passenger car (Bel Air) 1960 cast iron powerglide transmission to a Corvette application (1960 Corvette). I have the correct tailshaft housing with the 3 bossings to attach the shifter. My PWG transmission + engine fit perfectly on my 1960 frame. My Corvette tailshaft housing (Cast. N°3726595) is about 3" longer than the passanger car tailshaft housing. Consequently: The transmission output shaft does not exit from the output shaft. The slip yoke (The long one, for Corvette), when attached to the drive shaft, is only inserted over 1" 1/4 on the transmission output shaft: Not enough. It should be at least 3". I have never found any reference to Corvette specific cast iron PWG output shaft in my documentation and I could not identify any at transmission specialists (With or without planetary gear). Is the cast iron Corvette PWG output shaft normally longer than passenger cars' ? Do you know where to find any ? THANKS !

Katch

I too am in the process of trying to convert a 1960 passenger power glide for my 1960 vette. I was wondering how your project was coming along and if there was any info you could pass on to help me out. During my search I did come across a company that said if you have the tail shaft housing we could supply you with the correct out put shaft. If you are still looking contact me and I will find the number for you. If you have changed your mind on your conversion and still have the tail shaft housing I might be interested in purchasing it off of you if it's for sale.
Thanks Katch

Projet1960

Hi Katch,

Thanks for your proposal. I have made significant progress meanwhile and I have not changed my mind on my conversion. However, converting passenger Powerglide to Corvette application is not so easy and it has been quite a long journey for me (Located in France ...). Additionally, this is not as well documented as many other technical topics. Here are the specific parts I identified: Tailshaft housing (hard to find) - Output shaft (Hard to find - Need to open your powerglide to make the change - Disassembly / re-assembly and adjustments are well described in passenger or Corvette service manuals) - Oil dipstick and oil dipstick tube (easy to find) - Shift lever on transmission (Easy to find) - Shitfer rod (Hard to find - If you have any reliable source, please let me know. I am about to make one by myself) - Neutral safety switch (Easy to find) - Support bracket on frame (Easy to find). I know that the torque converter is also specific (Flywheel as well ?), but I did not convert mine. If you have specific issues, I'll try to help.
Bruno

MikeM

The '55-'57 pass car powerglides are the same length as the Corvette. In '58, starting with the '58 X frame pass cars, the Powerglide (and 3 speed/TurboGlide) output shaft/housings were shortened some. Three inches sounds about right. The Corvettes remained the same length as previous.

You need the '55-'57 pass car output shaft to go with the Corvette housing.

Projet1960

This is indeed a valuable info (Which would have saved me months of reserach a couple of years ago)
Thanks
Bruno

Katch

Hi Bruno, I hope you don't mind me contacting you when I get started on my conversion. I have a friend who owns a transmission shop and is going to do the conversion. The problem is he has never done something like this. Did you do the conversion on your own or did someone else do it. I have been told that you really need to know what your doing and some say it's not that big of a change over.And yes your right there is little knowledge on late 50 to early 60 vette power glide transmissions. Maybe Mike's info will help me out. Listing what needed to be changed internally
Would be appreciated. Longest winter since 1983, hope your having better luck with your weather.


Thanks Katch