C1 ('62) Transmission Change

[Christopher R.]

I'm replacing the incorrect Muncie transmission in my '62 with a correct T10. The shifter will be a Hurst with the stock appearing handle. The handle is removable from the shifter body.

Can I install the transmission with the shifter body and the rods in place? The handle will be bolted in later from above. The rear mount will be out of the way. (Built the John Hinckley "saddle" yesterday. Looks like it's going to work great.)

[Joe Pennington]

Re: C1 ('62) Transmission Change

Chris, The transmission can't be moved back into the driveshaft tunnel with the shifter attached to be able to get the pilot shaft clearance to go through the bell housing. It will have to be attached after the transmission is in, but the problem is that the Hurst is wider then the stock shifter and almost impossible to get the two bolts started into the Hurst bracket you have allready attached to the tailshaft. I had to drill two holes through the side of the transmission hump so I could install the bolts and then patched the holes. Also, it's easier to drill a third hole to insert the 1/4" diameter alignment pin through the shifter when you connect the linkage rods to adjust them.

[Pierre J.]

Re: C1 ('62) Transmission Change

Chris,
You can also remove the transmission cross member and carefully drop the engine a few inches. This will make it a lot easier to install the transmission with the shifter mechanism already attached. You then raise the transmission in place with a floor jack and reinstall the cross member. I just did that on my '56 and it worked quite well.

Pierre G. Joly #34410

[Pat #25912]

John Hinckley saddle?

Where can I find more about this? I assume it is used to support the back of the engine when the tranny mount is removed. Thanks