Does anyone know if there is a conversion kit to replace a manual transmission to an automatic in a 49 Chevy with original motor?
Basically, you need to find all the necessary parts in good condition from a similar vintage Chevy and transfer them over. There isn't a market for such a kit.
You have a serious amount of work ahead of you if you're wanting the keep the original engine assuming it's still the 216. With what has to be done to do what your asking, it would make much better sense to go for a later 235 engine with an auto and then an open drive line. Again, assuming you want to keep a 6 cylinder engine in the 49. There are a lot of things you need to know before making a decision like this. Another needed upgrade would be to the brakes on the 49. An auto transmission needs a cooler to cool the tranny fluid. What auto tranny? What shifter? Column or floor. A new rear end when going to an open drive. What rear? Gears? The list of questions is very long.
I have been considering a change to an automatic as well I have a 235 in my 49 and plan to keep it. I understand there are some GM transmissions that bolt in. I could be wrong. If you don’t want to go to disc brakes you can easily adapt Bendix on the front to replace the Huck style. I am talking truck now and not a car. The rear end would have 6 bolt lugs hopefully so I can keep my original rims. I love shifting gears but the city I live in has grown so much along with the traffic that it’s constant shifting up and down.
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