Early 327 trans swap

My Dad gave me his 1959 Chevy truck, I really dig it's old school style. It's been rodded a bit, with an early 327 and a 4 speed as well as 10bolt rear end. I need to swap to an auto trans cause I use hand controls to drive.
Now what I need to figure out is what trans and how. I had my sights set on a TH350 but the three bolt starter that bolts to the bell housing seems to be a problem. What is the best option here?

 

Simply remove the bellhousing to attach the TH350 to the 327. Your starter will bolt up to the engine block instead of the bellhousing. The one area you will need help is a ****** crossmember since I believe your current setup uses the bellhousing as a crossmember.

 

think about a power gluide, with correct starer, or what triggerman said

 

Ya mean the holes for the later model starter are in the block already? Dang, I feel like such a spode. I'll dive under it again tomorrow fer a closer look, Thanks Triggerman and 61.
With the right starter, will a 168 tooth flexplate be possible to fit? If so, my life just got easier!

 

Get trans, converter, flex plate, kickdown linkage, and starter all as a unit from a donor car, that way all will work together.
You're not limited to a 'Glide, a T350 or even a 400 will fit the engine. A little more work to fit it in the truck, but an OD would be worth it.

 

If it's a saginaw or muncie 4 speed, a '65 up powerglide of a short tail shaft TH350 will fit directly to the engine using the same drive shaft. You'll have to fab a crossmember for the trans. Make sure you get the flexplate (auto flywheel) and the starter with the trans. You'll also need the kickdown linkage or at least the ability to fab it.

 

Thanks for the help everyone. I have a list of parts now and some garage time to enjoy getting this truck set up right. PLG

 

I started in the shop yesterday and got a shock, I checked the block casting #'s and the 327 is a 283!!..........a good running 283 tho. Oh Well, back to work!