Way to figure out what motor was in my Truck

[Cletus1960]

Hello,

I have been researching and have been trying figure out what motor was originally in my 1960 Chevy Apache. My assumption was that there was a 235 auto trans but in my reading in another thread about the horseshoe front mount and auto trans would not be stable I am unsure if that is right.

There is probably an easy way to figure out what motor was in there like a number somewhere on the truck, but I am still new and unsure where to locate that or if one exists.

Here are some pictures of what the frame currently looks like. There are some POS welded in motor mounts that the PO put in that need to be removed still.

I am trying to figure this out to see if this 1959 chevy 235 will work in my truck
https://modesto.craigslist.org/pts/5986301196.html

[dieseldude4bt]

You have a clutch master cylinder on the firewall so it did not have an auto originaly.
Most likely a 235 and a SM420 4speed.

[shortstep60]

The cross member that bolts to the bell housing would not be there if it was a automatic truck.

[Cletus1960]

I appreciate the help. Looks like the PO changed out the trans hump in the cab and possibly the steering column then since it was set up to run a 82 Buick v6 auto trans

[dieseldude4bt]

That transmission cover is a different color and 1960 chevys had one piece steering column from the wheel to the box.

[Cletus1960]

Originally Posted by dieseldude4bt

That transmission cover is a different color and 1960 chevys had one piece steering column from the wheel to the box.

So mine is a 2 piece? Would this be from a later year truck or possibly not from a truck at all

[dieseldude4bt]

Originally Posted by Cletus1960

So mine is a 2 piece? Would this be from a later year truck or possibly not from a truck at all

From a later truck I assume.

[Cletus1960]

I really appreciate all the help so far. Now figuring all this out, if I decided to go with a manual trans would I need to go back to a trans cover meant for a manual or could I just cut a hole and everything would fit fine.

Sorry for all the questions, didn't realize how much new info my original question would lead to.

[southern parts]

I believe the column is original to the truck . I think it was a 235 6cyl. 3 spd on the column.

[Classic v6 GMC's]

Originally Posted by southern parts

I believe the column is original to the truck . I think it was a 235 6cyl. 3 spd on the column.

I also think the transmission cover is correct.

[Cletus1960]

Originally Posted by southern parts

I believe the column is original to the truck . I think it was a 235 6cyl. 3 spd on the column.

Shoot I hope that's the case. Trying to keep it as original as possible, part of why I am trying to get all of these answers. The column as I drove it was hooked to a auto trans and slid through the gears way to easy, almost as if not hooked up properly.
So it's possible to make a 3 spd on the column work for an auto trans? I don't want to keep it that way but maybe change it back to how it should be.

[chevy_mike]

I don't think that column is original as it looks like it is using an intermediate shaft between the column and box. Up to '66 this shaft was one piece from the steering wheel to the box.

[Classic v6 GMC's]

Originally Posted by chevy_mike

I don't think that column is original as it looks like it is using an intermediate shaft between the column and box. Up to '66 this shaft was one piece from the steering wheel to the box.

60-62 trucks used a intermediate shaft between the column and box.

[PGSigns]

If you look close at the pic showing the column in the engine bay it looks like you can see the the other shift arm. That looks like a 3 on the tree column.
Jimmy

[61K10]

steering column kooks just like my 61. 235 as the ft mount would have not been there if a v8 as it would use the mount on the cross member.

[southern parts]

I just checked a 60 and a 61, both have the same type intermediate shaft as your truck. Maybe the 1 piece shaft started in 63.

[chevy_mike]

Wow, you would think GM would have made all these years the same. Who knew...

[Captainfab]

Yes, the '63-'66 truck steering columns had a one piece shaft from the rag joint to the steering wheel.

Originally Posted by southern parts

I just checked a 60 and a 61, both have the same type intermediate shaft as your truck. Maybe the 1 piece shaft started in 63.

[Cletus1960]

Ok so this may be a stupid question, but if I do decide to switch to a small block 350 with an auto trans would I need to replace the steering column with an auto column or make use of the current one? and would I have to cut out the cross member for the old transmission?

[southern parts]

You will have to remove the crossmember for an automatic trans. An auto column from a 59 - 60 impala will fit right in with just a couple.pieces interchanged from the column in your truck now. It's pretty much the same column as a factory automatic for these trucks.