Inliners International Forums General Discussion Drive Train Need help hopping up a '53 Chevy driveline, if possible??!!

Hello. I'm new to the forum, located in PA and am in the beginning stages of building a traditional late 40's -early 50's hot rod.

I am looking for infoa nd help with getting the best from a 1953 tranny and driveline hooked up to a '54 GMC 270 inline engine! I'm getting the trans, toruque tube and rear for FREE from a friend of a friend, to aid in me building this rod,..(not to shabby!!) However, I'm desperately looking to hop up this driveline as much as possible,...BUT,...I'm only finding all types of hot trick gearing setups for 55 and on Chevy trannies and rear ends??

Can anyone help me out here with this?? I'm looking to improve my gearing and get this sucker moving on the road when she hits the blacktop! I also want to convert the 3 on the column to three on the floor,...supposedly national Chevy makes an adpater kit for chevy 3 speed trannies up to 1954?? Can't find it on the website though??!!

Of course, I know the best thing is to NOT use a torque tube and just go with a 55 or later drivline, but when you get parts for FREE, ya just can't beat it when you're going after building a period hot rod,ya know? If anyone has a 55 driveline they'd donate to me, ( or sell VERY cheap!!) and you live in the PA, NJ, NY or DE area, (as I am located 1 hour above philly, pa) please contact me ASAP, or I'll be heading down this sunday to get the 53 drivline off my buddy. hey its worth asking, you never know!! lol.

Thanks in advance for all the help! Take care and God bless.

Jason

Car or truck?

Jason, I just finished putting a 4 speed saginaw with Patricks custom shfter in my 53 gmc this weekend. I already had a open driveline. I can't even begin to tell you how much better it drives. After I drove it the first time I couldn't keep the smile off my face. I just love it. I also have a 3.08 gear. The saginaw is a very easy replacement. Direct bolt in. Only had to add longer bolts with nuts and lock washers to the bottom transmission bolt holes. The saginaw was only 1/4" shorter so I didn't have to change driveshaft. I have about $500.00 in my trans and shifter. And the trans was rebuilt. Well here's at least one other option.