56 Powerglide needed - what else?

[Edward M.]

OK, I need to find a powerglide for my newly acquired 56 Vette. It seems to me that a 56 V8 passenger car powerglide is the best approach. Any difference between a 56 V8 passenger car powerglide and a Corvette powerglide? What else do I need?

I recall something about a mounting bracket that bolts to the rear of the transmission? Correct? If so, where do I get one?

Also know that I need a Corvette tail housing so the shifter will mount up. Where do I get one of these?

What else do I need that I haven't thought about? Any more Corvette specific items that I need?

[Michael L.]

Re: 56 Powerglide needed - what else?

Ed, additionally, you'll need the proper lever on the transmission to hook up the neutral safety switch. The corvette trans had a tab with a hole to take the linkage.

On a passenger car the safety switch was in the column and completely different. You can always weld on the tab, but it will not be correct.

[Roy B.]

Re: 56 Powerglide needed - what else?

Same trans but you need the tail housing to mount the shifter and as MIKE said to add a tab for the safty switch. Many people have done this before and if you cant find the tail housing rig up something to hold the shifter to the trans rear housing till you find the right one.

[Joe L.]

Re: 56 Powerglide needed - what else?

Ed------

The attached photo shows the configuration you're looking for. This, particular, unit is a GM PART #3782027 (CAST 3782028) and was originally used in PRODUCTION for 1961 Corvette applications. However, it's also SERVICE for 1955-60 Corvette applications. The only significant difference is the machining for the speedometer gear and fitting. The 55-60 extension housing has a configuration very similar to this unit.

The GM #3782027 was the last available extension housing for 1955-61 Corvettes with Powerglide. It was discontinued without supercession in July, 1969.

Photo credit goes to John Schell.

[Bernard M.]

Re: 56 Powerglide needed - what else?

Ed, Is this the car Gary Gruhala had for sale in DeSoto, MO?

[Edward M.]

Re: 56 Powerglide needed - what else?

Yes, I went to DeSoto two weekends ago and picked it up. Do you know anything about the car?

[Verle R.]

Re: 56 Powerglide needed - what else?

Ed,

In answer to your question, yes a 56 or 57 passenger car transmission will function and have the right shift pattern for your car.

You asked what else, I will post some pictures of a powerglide out of a 57 Corvette, levers, bracket, rear mount...

Verle

[Verle R.]

Re: 56 Powerglide needed - what else?

kick down lever

[Verle R.]

Re: 56 Powerglide needed - what else?

neutral start bracket

[Verle R.]

Re: 56 Powerglide needed - what else?

transmission mount and shifter levers

[Verle R.]

Re: 56 Powerglide needed - what else?

transmission mount

[Verle R.]

Re: 56 Powerglide needed - what else?

Ed,

I hope these pictures help.

These parts may not be easy to find, good luck.

Verle

[Edward M.]

Re: 56 Powerglide needed - what else?

Thanks so much for the pics, they really do help. I have a line on most of these parts. Can't locate a correct tail housing yet, but I'll keep trying. I can make a bracket to attach the shifter in the mean time. Thanks again.