A friend of mine has a 63 F85 with a 3 speed on the column manual trans. What issues will we run into if we try to install a Saginaw 4 speed trans. from a mid seventies Buick Skylark into his car? The car has the original 215 engine it. Thanks for any help and suggestions.

 

The 63 SHOULD have the bellhousing that has both trans bolt patterns (the original three speed uses a unique trans-to-bellhousing pattern that's different from the normal GM Muncie/Saginaw pattern). The factory four speed was a T10, and I believe it had a shorter tailhousing than those on later T10s. The space in the tunnel is very limited on these cars and the Saginaw may not fit without metal work. Driveshaft mods will also be required and I suspect the crossmember will have to be relocated.

 

Driveshaft also has to be changed ,Due to having a companion flange on the transmission and the slip joint is in the middle of the shaft. Also a single piece shaft might not clear the driveshaft tunnel.

 

We appreciate the information.