|
|
Member
Posts: 25
| I am considering purchasing a '59 Coronet with a six cylinder Powerflite. My plan would be to convert it to a v8, and ideally, a Torqueflite. The current owner already started it by doing the brakes and put a Ford 9" rear in it.
I was looking at AMA data for '58 and I saw that the torsion bars are the same on the six as the eights, so I don't suppose that would need to be addressed, but what would?
I would like to put a nice 383 in there and make it a daily driver (summer only, obviously), and maybe a 727 with the push-button kit, unless I can find a correct Torqueflite with the right buttons.
I would need mounts, any suggestions there? How about the radiator, is that the same? Throttle linkage? Was the K Frame the same? Was the six cylinder Powerflite lighter duty than the v8? I know if I use an older transmission I would need an old style crank, I'm not worried about that part. Any other thoughts?
Thanks. |
|
| |
|
Expert 5K+
Posts: 9648
   
Location: So. Cal | You can answer most of your questions about interchange from the '59 parts manual that you can download here:
https://mymopar.com/parts-manuals/
There is also an interchange manual you can look at.
These cars don't use a K-frame. The frame is one single entity, so to change the mounts, you will either need to make adapters to the originals, or remove the old ones on the frame, and weld new ones on. I would get a '63-'65 push button trans so you can get the park function out of it and still use your push buttons with it. You could use any later 383 that way too. |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 25
| Thank you Powerflite. I forgot I was dealing with a full frame, I'm use to the 70's cars. The link is helpful, thanks. Do you know about the mount adapters? Any good? From where are they available? |
|
| |
|
Expert 5K+
Posts: 9648
Location: So. Cal | I don't think anyone makes them. You would have to make them yourself. I'm not familiar with the 6cyl frame mounts to know how different they are from the V8 mounts. |
|
| |
|
Expert 5K+
Posts: 8947
Location: WHEELING,WV.>>>HOME OF WWVA | do yourself a favor if using a post 61 383 , go with a new torqueflite and a nice floor shifter like Lokar -------------------------later |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 25
| Powerflite: My neighbor is a machinist and ol' hot rodder, so I may be in luck when it comes to needing something like that custom made.
60 dart: Thanks for the advice. I'd really like the buttons to work though. I hear there is a company that makes a kit to adapt the buttons to the newer transmissions, so I may go that route. If I could materialize whatever I wanted, I'd have a correct 383 and a correct Torqueflite, but it is going to be a driver so I'm fine with whatever is available. |
|
| |
|
Expert 5K+
Posts: 9648
Location: So. Cal | The company you are referring to is Imperial Services. Someone told me that they are no longer in business, but their website is still up. I haven't ordered anything from them recently, so check it out before you send any money.
https://www.imperialservices.net/
But if they are still in business, and you go that route, you will end up without park. You can't access park with the push buttons. That's why I suggested the '63-'65 because they have a separate park cable, and you don't necessarily need Imperial Services, which has inconsistent service at best.
You can also get that conversion kit from A&A Transmission.
http://www.aandatrans.com/Products/Push-Button-Conversion-Cable-Set...
Edited by Powerflite 2022-11-14 7:33 PM
|
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 25
| Powerflite: Nice, I wasn't aware of the Imperial Services problems. I'm glad there's an alternative source.
I was checing out 727specialist.com which sells push button transmissions "built with '67 and later internals." This might be the best route, no? As far as the engine, I might see if I can have an old style crank made to put into a 70s 383 assuming I'd need to with this transmission option. I'd have my buttons and my parking brake.
Can the Powerflite buttons work with a Torqueflite? If so, what would "low" do, 2nd gear? |
|
| |
|
Expert 5K+
Posts: 9648
Location: So. Cal | Yes, the Powerflite buttons will work with a Torquflite. You will just not have access to the bottom 1st gear. |
|
| |
59 Coronet 2 speed 6 to 3 speed 8
