Anybody doing this kind of work on the 49-54 chevs remember that the second crossmember in the stick and automatic frames are in two different places. The automatic crossmember is located about 2 5/8 inches rearward and leaves more room for a newer trans such as a Saginaw. Holes are already drilled in the frames to mount either crossmember but you will have to have the proper crossmember and the diagonal arms going to the frame as they are different to fit in the different locations. I am putting a Saginaw in a 51 stick frame and will switch to a powerglide crossmember found in a yard in AZ. I am keeping the pedals under the floor and will have to modify my 55 truck bellhousing for the clutch fork. I think that is easier than properly mounting a M/C cyl on the firewall as I have done in the past. I will also be mounting a double
brake mastercyl close to the stock position so everything looks stock from the outside. Anyone switching from a powerglide to a standard stick in these cars remember to change the crossmember.
