Hey guys I'm building a rat rod out of a 5 window model a that my grandpaw used to drag in the 50's. Im putting a Olds 303 that's been bored an stroked to a 335 that he had in one of his dirt track cars in the 60's. I haven't pulled the motor yet so not 100% sure if its a 49 or 50 model. But my questions are what auto trans should I use that will bolt up and if the motor needs rebuilding where can I get the parts.

 

The neatest trans would be a slant pan Hydamatic... 4 speeds and tuff as nails. But most guys want something modern... go to Berndstens site... www.transmissionadapters.com ... he sells 'em.

I would also make a visit to www.jalopyjournal.com and visit the HAMB page... but for God's sake don't mention "rat rods" over there.... there are many early olds gurus on board but you won't get much help if they think you are building some rattle trap death machine...

Egge Machine and Kantor's have the rebuild parts....

 

There are a couple of bellhousings and transmissions on ebay right now. The early hydros were really good. It is going to be an expensive engine to built but it will be correct for a 50' early hot rod. Keep us informed with pictures as you progress. One other thing, WELCOME

 

Welcome aboard.

The hot setup in the 60's for a 303 hot rod was a 37 Cad or La Salle stick transmission, no modification needed and hell for stout. but a slant pan 4 speed would also be proper and typical setup.....Tedd

 

I can't even imagine what you would have to pay for one of those old LaSalle or Caddy tranmissions if you could even find one. It would have a very high cool factor.

 

Ya almost unatatium now, back in the day I had a 303 33 ford 3 window with a cad trans traded it for 1/2 interest in a Mustang motorcycle....Wish I had either one of them now.......Tedd