another small block/transmission swap question...

[grubsster]

So I'm finally getting ready to swap my inline 6 250 for a 283 and 3 on the column to a TH350 transmission. I have tried to read as much on the forum as possible and think that some aspects won't be too hard. I have a 1969 automatic steering column and since it's not plug and play like a factory column to put in I want to wait on that swap for now, so basically would something like this conversion kit http://www.truckandcarshop.com/trucks60_72/t60_061.html work so I can use my existing column till I can get to it? Is there something better? What about transmission cooler lines? Also I'm sure the engine bolts right in but what pitfalls do I need to watch for? Any help would be appreciated. Sorry if this message is rambling...

[Captainfab]

I'm not sure just what you are referring to in the link, but there was a member's post just the past couple days, that converted their 3OTT to an auto shift column. I'll have to see if I can find it.

If your radiator is the typical smaller I6 radiator, you will have to upgrade to the V8 radiator. Those can be found with the trans cooler built in. Your bellhousing crossmember will need to be removed. If your 283 doesn't already have one, I would go with the short water pump. That is what the '63-'72 trucks came with. That way you can just use original style pulleys and accessory brackets, radiator hoses, fan shroud, etc.

[firemanjimtfd]

Also wondering about the automatic conversion kit at the bottom of link in middle . Can I leave my 3 speed standard column in and use this kit for turbo 350 transmission I just installed. My concern is staying in park. Has anyone used this kit ?

[firemanjimtfd]

I just put a turbo 350 in a 66 that I am building . I was going to run a frame mounted cooler used on street rods from summit or speedway. I also made my rear transmission mount using c -channel. The standard bell housing cross member was a bear to get out . I tried air chisel on rivets didn't work had to use torch to cut rivets. I was trying to save cross member. Should have just cut in two pieces and trashed. See my build in projects and builds Jims 1966 SW BBG

[grubsster]

Thanks for the replies. I'm talking about the conversion kit in the middle of the page, wondering if it will work for the shifter and which length to get. Also I have heard that if one uses three OTT column there is no park detent. I have a crossmember out of a '77 that should work. I also installed a radiator with the built in cooler but I need to get the cooler lines to it. If anyone has installed a similar set up how did it work out?

[lha1992]

What he is referring to in the link in the OP is the rods that connect from the shifter in the column down to the tranny to shift. I myself am running into this problem but I have a original powerglide truck but I am going to a TH 350 also an the linkages to the tranny are different.