Putting a 4-speed in a ’50 Chevy

November 1, 2008 | By Richard Prince

Question:

This is in regard to Ted Lazenby’s September Mechanic On Duty question concerning instructions for installing a 4-speed transmission in his 1950 Chevy.

Patrick’s Cars and Trucks of Arizona has a kit that allows a Saginaw 4-speed transmission to be installed in a 1950 Chevy (and other early Chevys).

The kit lets you keep the original torque tube driveline and rear end. I’m quite sure it would work with the 1953 torque tube and rear end he is intending on using in his ’50.

The company will send a free brochure with more information about the transmission swap, including information on the best gear ratio Saginaw 4speed transmission to use. The brochure also has information about swapping a later 235 6-cylinder into his car. Patrick’s can be contacted through the Web.

Answer:

Thank you for sharing this information with us. Patrick’s can be contacted at www.patricksantiquecars.com.