I have a 1962 bel air wagon. My dad and I put in a hopped 350 Iv built and a previous owner had already put in a 700R4. The plan is to use the wagon as a tower and Im collecting parts to build up the sbc some more. Wondering if I could use the factory clutch pedal and all that from the three speed they offered fer that car? I imagined it would fit into a bellhousing for the M22. Im young and a little too ambitious Iv been told, so help is much appreciated. JonMichael
Sure. I had a '62 Bel Air wagon years ago and its one of the few cars I've sold and wished I could get back. Your rear axle is weak for something used to tow. You'll probably want to address that too.
If you want to go back to manual cheap and have overdrive look for a NP833 from an 80's pickup. They will bolt right up and will take a little abuse, cheaper than finding the M22 parts unless you already have them. Like this: http://www.cl***icjunkyard.com/new_process_a833.htm
I was looking for a '64 but found this one and fell in love. I wouldnt trade it fer nothing...almost nothing. And yeah, I figured that the rear would need to be swapt, and I have high way gears now so that has to change. I was thinking about the M22 in case I deside to put in a different engine. And odds are I would not have to replace the trans again bc the M22 is real stout. Just have to get used to the whine.
What are you going to tow? I'm having miss-givings about the frame design on those cars in a towing environment. And of course you'll need to upgrade the brakes to stop whatever your load is.
I mainly want to tow a 4x8 utility trailer. But would like to be able to pull a car hauler. I already have good disk on the front. When I adress the rearend I planed on putting disk and full power brakes. I also have wondered about the frame, seeing it's an X frame. I'm looking into fabing some square tubing or what not to strengthin it front to back ways.