So here is what Ive got. 1947 Fleetline bone stock as can be. 283 out of a 59 Impala. I've heard of guys hookin' a small block to the stock ****** of the 47. QUESTION: HOW? What bellhousing is being used? The trans is a different bolt pattern than the 55 and later trans isnt it? Was there an adapter that made this possible? Thanx,Mike
Use a trans case from a pickup, up to 54. They will bolt to the V8 bellhousing, and to the stock torque tube.
If you are going to leave the complete drive train like it is then you will need an adapter. Offenhauser still casts some of there early adapters. Give them a call and see. You need Part Number #4013. Hope that helps. ------------------------------------------------------ "OPOSSUM BENDERS" Central Missouri Chapter
If that 47 has the vacuum shift setup you might as well upgrade now as it will never work right or hold together with the 283. Back around '60 I put a 302 Jimmy in a 47 coupe and promptly destroyed the ******. Went with a truck box and it was fine but as with anything from that era shifted slow as hell.
Back in 61 put a olds in my 52 chevy convt. using stock ******. It didn't last very long and neither did the next 11, found a truck ****** and only tore one out.
i've got one here in phx. granny 4 spped if you want it. no shipping has to be picked up. or relayed. jerry
Trans Dapt made one that bolted to a stock cast iron ring for a iron power glide from a v8. Used stock stick flywheel from 8 and pp from the 6, used stock linkage for clutch fork, tb etc. Rarely see them anymore although they show up at swap meets now and then. Good luck, stock trans is very weak as stated by others, I tore them up with 216s and 235s in the 50s. I still have one of the TDs some where. Dave
If you can find an adapter, go for it. You would not be happy with a truck 4-speed-and it Definitely won't work with the column shift. Is the '59 a PowerGlide? If it is, you need a bellhousing , clutch and flywheel. If it's a stick, keep it intact and junk the existing 3 speed, torque tube, and rearend. Find another rearend (Tri-Five Chevy, Camaro, etc.) You'll be much happier in the long run than messing with that low geared, complex drive line that's in the '47.
Why use a stock ******? with a v8 that ****** will be a week link and plus you can take advantage of an od unit if you want o a great ole 350 turbo either way be a better way to go not to mention can be done probably cheaper then buying an adapter plate. You need any info i have pic of mine.
Unlike a couple have said here, it's not difficult, and you don't need no stinkin' adapter. Do exactly what enjenjo said. It shouldn't be too hard to find a column-shift trans from a 1/2 ton pickup. And use a bellhousing from a V-8 truck from '55 through the early 60's with the side pads. Even one from a large truck will work. Just don't beat on it too hard. Good luck.
Do yourself a favor and use a later transmission and rear end. I might not be worth the time and expense to use the stock stuff. The stock 55 Chev and later transmissions weren't that strong either, don't ask how I know.
The Jalopy Journal
