C-2 Powerglides

[Joe Kemp]

Do C-2 Corvettes having the powerglide transmission still have the cross shaft bracket welded on the left side frame rail?
Is there still a hole on the firewall where the clutch rod would go through on a manual car? Or is it plugged?
Thanks,
JK

[Warren S.]

Re: C-2 Powerglides

Yes, the bracket is on the frame and there is a plug in the firewall.

[Joe Kemp]

Re: C-2 Powerglides

Thank you for the info. I had been told that, but wanted to confirm. When I purchased my 66, I was told it was an original PG car, even though it now has a 700 R-4. I didn't realize at the time, there were only 20 Big Blocks built with the PG.
I was going to leave the car as is. But realizing the uniqueness of it. I would at least like to start hunting for a correct PG even if just to have it.

[Ronnie Robertson # 36786]

Re: C-2 Powerglides

They also have the clutch spring retainer attached to the firewall.

[Joe L.]

Re: C-2 Powerglides

Joe------

This will be a somewhat difficult transmission to find. First of all, these transmissions were used only for 1965 and 1966 Corvettes and passenger cars equipped with 396, 427, and 409 cid engines. Second, these transmissions were never available in SERVICE as a complete assembly. At least, they were not GENERALLY available in SERVICE; they may have been avaiable on special order on a "demonstrated need" basis with a "secret" SERVICE part number. However, if you can find a 1965 or 1966 Chevrolet with a big block engine and Powerglide, you'll have what you're after. I don't think that this will be impossible. A lot of the big blocks during these years were equipped with the then-new THM-400 transmission (although not Corvettes, of course). But, plenty were equipped with Powerglide, too. So, there should still be some around. The Corvette part numbers for the assemblies were GM #3890576 and 3890577. Other cars will have different part numbers but the transmission will be, essentially, the same. You probably won't find a part number on the transmission, anyway.

One of the primary differences between these big block and small block Powerglides was the torque converter. For 1965 and 1966 big block with Powerglide the torque converter was GM #3834108 and it was unique to these applications. Several years ago, I happened on 2 NOS examples of these converters. They were an interesting item so I bought them [none for sale]. Since that time, I've never seen an NOS example for sale, so I guess they must be a rather uncommon item.

Incidentally, GM always sold these and most other torque converters as "rebuilt"; never as new. However, upon very close inspection of the units, I'm convinced that they're new and not rebuilt. I have several other Powerglide converters labeled as rebuilt, but which I am certain are new [none for sale, either]. Many other GM parts sold as "rebuilt" are actually new. However, I think by using the term "rebuilt", they keep their options open (and, they can require a CORE exchange). In other words, if they sell someone a part which is only available as "rebuilt", the owner won't have much in the way of options and they won't complain if the get new rather than rebuilt. However, if they sell someone something as new and it turns out to be rebuilt, they'll have every consumer group and the government down on them in a pair of seconds.

[Joe Kemp]

Re: C-2 Powerglides

Joe,
Thank you for that detailed information. It gives me a goal of something to search for at all the swap meets I go to. I am in love with the BB/700R-4 combination, so if I do find one it would be to have for a possible resto down the road.

[Jerry M.]

Re: C-2 Powerglides

Joe, I also have an original 66 bb powerglide. If you need any detail info let me know. I could not tell if you were sure it was an original glide so if it is the stamp pad suffix will be IQ. You can email me if I can help. jerned@aol.com