Four-speed conversion

[Rick Coleman]

I'm in the process of searching out the parts necessary to convert
my '62 Belair post from an automatic (TH350) to a 4-speed. Will the clutch/brake pedal assembly/z-bar/linkage/clutch fork from any '58-'64 work? Can I use the upper steering column collar from a column shift car? Can I also use the lower collar (with the column shift handle) by cutting off the protrusion and welding up the hole? I ask because I have found some pieces and I don't
want to waste my money if they won't work. Thanks, Rick Coleman

[DALE SNYDER]

HEY RICK, I'M GOING THROUGH THE SAME THING WITH MY 58 BISCAYNE. I DID THIS ABOUT 40 YEARS WITH A 58 CHEVY DEL RAY AUTOMATIC AND I HAD A 56 CHEVY WITH A 265 AND A 3 SPEED THAT I USED FOR PARTS, AND FOR THE LIFE OF ME I DON'T RECALL BUYING ANY OTHER PARTS, OTHER THAN WHAT CAME OFF THAT 56. I MAY GO TO THAT AUCTION IN N.C. FOR THESE VERY PARTS. IF YOU SEND ME YOUR E-MAIL OR PHONE NUMBER AND THE GUY HAS ENOUGH FOR TWO CONVERSIONS I'LL CALL YOU..............GOOD LUCK DALE;)

[Impalaguru]

HI Rick,
I remember reading in an article that the 63-64 clutch parts (for the most part) are the same. 61 is pretty much all by its self because it uses another spring under the dash (its kinda up high near the hinge for the pedals, If I remember correctly). I would reccomend getting a Show Cars catolog (dr409.com). They have some great diagrams of clutch linkage set ups in there. Lots of parts available, too. Another great source is Phil Reed in KC MO. He has got the parts and the knowlede to help you out. Phil's# 816-587-1109. Good luck!
Ross

[Tom Kochtanek]

Rick:

I'm in the process of doing this same thing for my '62. Originally a 283 with a PG, we are conveting to a 409 with T-10 four speed.

First off, you need to read the "essay" on this from Trailbum, who did this for his '63 and chronicled the details. Very informative and motivating. I have it in MS-Word form, and I bet Bob has this somewhere on this great site :)

Before I connected with Phil Reed, who really does know all these parts and their appropraite applications, I purchased a four speed column and some individual components (clutch fork, etc.) from another source. If there's something missing Phil gets the call! You are also going to need the pedal setup -- I snagged that from my '61 and hope that will work.

Everything is currently under restoration, so I don't know exactly what challenges I face, but I will try deal with it in a healthy fashion :)

If you need the "article" by Trailbum, just send me an Email and I will copy you on it.

Best,
TomK

[CDNpontiac409guy]

Tom, you're going to have trouble trying to put the 61 pedal in the 62 car. As was mentioned, 61 is unique:p .

For the conversion on the 62 Chev ( or CDN Pontiac ), you MUST use 1962 pedals, retainer, and pushrod to Bell crank.
The bell crank and pushrod to release fork may be 1962-1964. If you use a generic aluminum bell housing, you will need the 1962-64 small block ( 1964 all... as if you'd sacrifice a 409 car for parts:rolleyes: ;) ) release fork.
The release bearing itself can be a nightmare. For V8's, the books call for a short one. I've had trouble with this. The long one is TOO long though. THere IS a medium length version GM release bearing available. I believe the application is for an early 60's Tempest.

[bubbletop61]

I was just discussing the pedals with my Buddy last night. He has several 62's and thought the clutch pedals 61/62 were the same. When I came home last night, I discovered the whole 61 pedal set up is quite a bit different from 62. Aubrey / Phil can you tell me if the clutch pedal to Z-Bar actuation rod is the same for both the 61 and 62, or is 61 unique here as well? I assume the z-bar to clutch fork rod is the same for all hi po 348 and 409 cars.
The question in my mind here is that I have been told that the 61 clutch fork is also unique. True or False?
I am using the correct Aluminum Bell housing (well... correct except that the top hole on the mounting flange was not drilled out, which I think means that it was for a Corvette and 327 /300HP application?)
Does anybody have pics of the 61 clutch linkage parts that they could post? This would be a great help.
Thanks a million
Gar

[bjburnout]

Tom
I sent you an email requesting the writeup by Trailbum.
You'll see something from B.J. Coffey, it's not spam.
When you get a chance plz forward it.

Much appreciated

BJ

[JC327]

That write-up was in "Late Great Chevy" magazine (with pictures), I'll have to look up which issue. I'm doing a conversion on my '61 also, but I'm starting with a 3-speed car which should make things a lot easier.