'63 Coupe, wrong bell housing?

[Scott S.]

Considering a car with an incorrect, 3858403 bell housing. Is this something that could be replaced relatively easily without any worries, thus adding to matching numbers? I've seen a few correct bell housings for sale out there.

Thanks for the help.

P.S. - BTW, if anyone has any leads on correct '63 coupes, 300 or 340HP, low mile, no rust car, papers, I'd be interested. Please PM me if so.

[Wayne M.]

Re: '63 Coupe, wrong bell housing?

Considering a car with an incorrect, 3858403 bell housing. Is this something that could be replaced relatively easily without any worries, thus adding to matching numbers? I've seen a few correct bell housings for sale out there....

Scott -- were not '403' bellhousings correct for latter 1963 production ? Going by Noland's Vol 2 (I don't have the '63-4 TIM&JG's) the changeover from the 3788421 casting was somewhere around VIN 14500.

I think the earlier BH went with the Borg Warner trannys; not sure if the '403' was strictly a Muncie thing; I'm sure others will report.

[Tom H.]

Re: '63 Coupe, wrong bell housing?

I believe the 403 would be considered correct for a late car. What is the VIN of the car in question ? Scott, if you don't have a 5th edition judging guide, go get one. It is a huge help on 63's. Just when you think you have them figured out, they go late, early... etc.

[Joe R.]

Re: '63 Coupe, wrong bell housing?

BW T-10's and the later Muncie both had small aluminum bearing retainers so the 421 bellhousing were used. Never saw a 63 with the later 403's but that don't mean it never happened. If it did the aluminum bearing retainer had to be discarded and replaced with a cast iron. I've seen them (cast iron) with the smaller bolt pattern but never small enough to fit in a 421 bellhousing.

JR

[Scott S.]

Re: '63 Coupe, wrong bell housing?

The car is in the 8700 range. Any chance that the "403" is correct?

[Harry S.]

Re: '63 Coupe, wrong bell housing?

Scott, suggest you look for a 421. Also, do you know if you have the original transmission. It should be a T10 and the VIN sequence number is stamped on it. If you have a later trans, post 63, that probably will not fit the 421.

[Scott S.]

Re: '63 Coupe, wrong bell housing?

Scott, if you don't have a 5th edition judging guide, go get one. It is a huge help on 63's. Just when you think you have them figured out, they go late, early... etc.

Will do.....

[John D.]

Re: '63 Coupe, wrong bell housing?

Scott, As mentioned you need a 421. My 63 in the 9900 range has a 421. These are also dated but it's so obscure you can't see it. Don't ask me where the date is as I forget.
I used to wonder why this part never brought any big bucks until I was told that millions of cars used this bell housing. Readily available at most fleas. Watch for cracks though. JD

[Michael H.]

Re: '63 Coupe, wrong bell housing?

BW T-10's and the later Muncie both had small aluminum bearing retainers so the 421 bellhousing were used. Never saw a 63 with the later 403's but that don't mean it never happened. If it did the aluminum bearing retainer had to be discarded and replaced with a cast iron. I've seen them (cast iron) with the smaller bolt pattern but never small enough to fit in a 421 bellhousing.

JR

I agree with Joe. All 63's with 4-speed used the 63 only 421 housing. Every one.
The 403 housing for 64 had a larger opening for the larger transmission front bearing retainer.

[Nick M.]

Re: '63 Coupe, wrong bell housing?

John

Happy, Healthy New Year. Hope all is well.

[John D.]

Re: '63 Coupe, wrong bell housing?

John

Happy, Healthy New Year. Hope all is well.

Thanks very much stranger. Take care of the 63. Hope to see you soon. John