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 ***uming 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, ***uming 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 ****** fluid. What auto ******? 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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