Inliners International Forums General Discussion Drive Train hydramatic to 2004r or 700r4

Does anyone have experience in converting an original hydramatic pickup (’55 1st series has open driveline) to a 2004r or 700r4 transmission? The engine in my truck is a 261 6-cylinder. Any advice on how to or potential problems to avoid would be appreciated.

If you ditch the HydraMatic, would you consider selling the flywheel if it is still ok? Thanks, G.H.

It will be just like converting a standard shift motor in the fact you will have to by the conversion kit reqired to mate a powerglide or 350 to that motor.I have had to re-drill the flywheel bolt pattern for the 200/700 converter(Simple) in the past but that may not required on all installations. Then you will have to remove the current bellhousing crossmember and fabricate a rear cross member for the transmission mount. The truck I did was also a hydro so I made a new piece of plexiglass for the shift indicator and had it engraved with the correct shift pattern for a near factory look.I am just across the Trinity River if you need help.Paul

The HydraMatic actually uses the flywheel as half of what would be a torque converter. It has trans fluid between it and the "torrus cover" with 2 impeller halves sandwiched in between. I have a shift indicator for a 2 speed powerglide if that helps anyone. I won't be using it.

The Flywheel I was refering to re-drilling was the One used in the conversion kit for a late PowerGlide since he is wanting use a 200/700r4 with that set up,not the original HrydraMatic Flywheel. Sorry to confuse anyone. Paul

cgresham1212 (or anyone for that matter)

I would be interested in any old Hydramatic parts you have from your '55 (from the shifter / linkage all the way to the driveline)

Thanks,

Ken Brown