Solid Axle frames?

[Edward M.]

I was test fitting the 327 engine and T-10 transmission from a 62 Corvette into the frame of my 56 Corvette this weekend. A couple of things came out of this.

1. I noticed that the transmission mount does not line up with the crossmember. I think I understand that this is because the location of the transmission mount moved on the later year solid axle cars. I appears to me that if I were going to use this transmission, I would need to get a 57 T-10 tail housing. Is this correct?

2. I also noticed that the location of the clutch release lever ball located on the engine is different. The 62 engine has a hole drilled and tapped for a clutch release lever ball, but the bracket that mounts to the bell housing puts the ball in a different location than this bracket does (about 2 inches more toward the rear). My question is, do all solid axle cars use this bracket that is attached to the bell housing? Is this drilled and tapped hole used for the ball in any solid axle applications? This question becomes important because I am modifying a 56 powerglide frame to accept a manual transmission, and I need to determine where to weld the clutch release tower.

Any and all help greatly appreciated.

[Bill Clupper]

Re: Solid Axle frames?

Let's start with the trans. The bracket did not move, but the '62 setup uses a metal plate that attaches to the mount on the bracket and runs forward to the proper spot on the trans. These plates are available from repro sources such as Corvette Central. The clutch question has me more concerned. the early corvette bellhousings have a mount on the drivers side for a plate/ball configuration that extends forward enough to line up with the pivot ball welded onto the frame. The setup does not use a screwed-in pivot ball. It sounds as though you may not be using the correct '62 bellhousing. If you have the '62 bellhousing, you should see the area with two bolt holes where the bracket attaches.

[Bill Clupper]

Re: Solid Axle frames?

Let's start with the trans. The bracket did not move, but the '62 setup uses a metal plate that attaches to the mount on the bracket and runs forward to the proper spot on the trans. These plates are available from repro sources such as Corvette Central. The clutch question has me more concerned. the early corvette bellhousings have a mount on the drivers side for a plate/ball configuration that extends forward enough to line up with the pivot ball welded onto the frame. The setup does not use a screwed-in pivot ball. It sounds as though you may not be using the correct '62 bellhousing. If you have the '62 bellhousing, you should see the area with two bolt holes where the bracket attaches.

[Edward M.]

Re: Solid Axle frames?

Thanks Bill. I do have the mounting boss on the bell housing, and the transmission mounting plate answers the question about why the tranny mount holes dont line up relative to the cross member.

[Edward M.]

Re: Solid Axle frames?

Thanks Bill. I do have the mounting boss on the bell housing, and the transmission mounting plate answers the question about why the tranny mount holes dont line up relative to the cross member.

[Bill Clupper]

Re: Solid Axle frames?

Ed, a few years back I was able to buy the arm and pivot that bolts onto the bellhousing from GM. I don't know if still available there or not, Grp # 0.852 Part #3723603. If not GM, I'm sure repro available.

[Bill Clupper]

Re: Solid Axle frames?

Ed, a few years back I was able to buy the arm and pivot that bolts onto the bellhousing from GM. I don't know if still available there or not, Grp # 0.852 Part #3723603. If not GM, I'm sure repro available.