1964 "Slim Jim" to Manual Conversion
October 21st, 2023, 10:00 PM
#1
1964 "Slim Jim" to Manual Conversion
Id like to hear everyone's opinion on doing a 394 "slim Jim" conversion to 3 or 4 speed manual. I had the very rare opportunity to get a 64 parts car last year which had a factory 3 on the tree. The transmission was removed but the bellhousing adapter is still attached to the 394.
Here are some questions I have to start a debate:
-What could be the 3 speed manual tranny to have come with this car? From what I see GM made the Mucie & Saginaw Transmission during this time but i don't know which Oldsmobile could have used.
-Does the manual bellhousing adapter help me with this possible option or would it plague me?
Something really cool about the 3 on the tree car as well is the rare 394 crankshaft with a pilot bearing hole & the glorious 3.90:1 rear end gear which I have yet to find many cars with.
Let me know your thoughts about this, It would be pretty sweet to have a big stick out of the floor to shift with
Here are some questions I have to start a debate:
-What could be the 3 speed manual tranny to have come with this car? From what I see GM made the Mucie & Saginaw Transmission during this time but i don't know which Oldsmobile could have used.
-Does the manual bellhousing adapter help me with this possible option or would it plague me?
Something really cool about the 3 on the tree car as well is the rare 394 crankshaft with a pilot bearing hole & the glorious 3.90:1 rear end gear which I have yet to find many cars with.
Let me know your thoughts about this, It would be pretty sweet to have a big stick out of the floor to shift with
October 22nd, 2023, 03:21 AM
#2
Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Edmond, OK
Posts: 15,982
If you have the means to replace that Slim Jim then I would. Haven't heard much about Slim Jim to manual conversions as the Slim Jim was found in full-sized Oldsmobiles. I'd be interested to see what comes of this.
October 22nd, 2023, 10:15 PM
#3
Phantom Phixer
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Apopka, FL
Posts: 4,693
The 3 speed Olds transmissions used from 1951 thru 1964 were made by Buick.
Pontiac also used this trans in 1956 & 1957.
Buick used a similar trans in their Roadmaster and Century models. ( series 60,70,80,& 90) from 1937 thru 1960.
Buick transmissions differed between Olds and Pontiac in that they had a "torque tube" driveline.
Olds and Pontiac had an open driveshaft.
37 and 38 Buicks had "top shift " transmissions. But would need an Olds or Pontiac tail shaft and tail housing.
These transmissions were "select shift" which makes it hard to find a floor shifter for them.
Good luck finding any of this stuff. The H.A.M.B. forum may be the best place to look for it.
The Hokey *** Message Board | The H.A.M.B. (jalopyjournal.com)
Any competent machine shop can drill a 394 crankshaft for a pilot bearing.
Pontiac also used this trans in 1956 & 1957.
Buick used a similar trans in their Roadmaster and Century models. ( series 60,70,80,& 90) from 1937 thru 1960.
Buick transmissions differed between Olds and Pontiac in that they had a "torque tube" driveline.
Olds and Pontiac had an open driveshaft.
37 and 38 Buicks had "top shift " transmissions. But would need an Olds or Pontiac tail shaft and tail housing.
These transmissions were "select shift" which makes it hard to find a floor shifter for them.
Good luck finding any of this stuff. The H.A.M.B. forum may be the best place to look for it.
The Hokey *** Message Board | The H.A.M.B. (jalopyjournal.com)
Any competent machine shop can drill a 394 crankshaft for a pilot bearing.
Last edited by Charlie Jones; October 22nd, 2023 at 10:27 PM.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
daver
General Discussion
11
September 28th, 2022 08:40 AM
