Inliners International Forums General Discussion Drive Train 50 chevy 4-door deluxe

Looking for a suitable rearend for my 50 chevy deluxe...

will a 74 nova rearend work?


thanks,

jack

70's to 80's Camaro/Firebird and Nova's work ,but I think are a little wider then stock '50. Why don't you locate a '55 to '57 Chevy ? It'll drop right in.

What modifications will I need on the transmission end? I can handle getting a drive shaft made...but what about the yoke?

You will need to switch out the transmission to an open driveline version to use a Hotchkiss rearend.

any reccomendations? I plan on switching over to a 58 235.

Dear Jack;

A 58 Chev. 235 engine & trans will go in there just fine and is open driveline etc.

After you get your (open)rear end instaled then make your driveshaft.

Good luck, John M., #3370....

Sorry for the misunderstanding, All I swapped was the 216 for the 235 engine, I wanted to keep it as original as possible. Can I still use the 3 speed trans with an open driveline??

thanks

J;

Nope, one way or the other.

JM......

One last question....

Can I convert the three speed transmission to an open driveline? It is the stock 1950 transmission.. I have a 74 nova rearend and just need to know if I can get a yoke and have a driveshaft made? If not any recommendations for the trans upgrade?

jack

I'm not familiar with the 54 and earlier car trannys, but if the case is all one piece, then no, you can't convert it. If it has a bolt on tailshaft housing, then maybe, but I've never heard of it being done. Regardless, you would need to buy a later 3spd tranny for the parts anyway, so the issue becomes rather moot. Get the newer tranny and find out for yourself.
You will probably be using the 55 and up tranny anyway, which means changing the bellhousing, clutch fork, etc... also, since the tranny pattern changed when they went to an open driveline. You could also go with the T5 if you wanted to, once you've changed out that bellhousing. Some crossmember and floorpan work will be needed also.
The '74 Nova will work. Just measure it and compare to your original, and also keep in mind that the backset of your rims needs to be considered when choosing a rearend width.
Also be aware of where the axle centerline is.
Emergency brakes, shocks, etc... will change...
As for the driveshaft, It may be possible to find one that fits without modifications, but I don't know of one offhand. Get the tranny and rearend in first, then make the measurements and see. If you can't find one that fits, then get one that has the right ends, but is too long, then all you need to do is get it shortened and balanced.

A local guy is using an S-10 4x4 rear end under his 50. You'll need to lose the stock bellhousing and go with one that accepts modern stick pattern, like 55 to 62 passenger also trucks.
Also the 3 speeds from the later cars/trucks should be fine with your stock shifter set up. I'd give Buffalo a call, has a zillion fixes for these early Chevs. What ever you want to do he has all the solutions.

Thaks You Everyone For All Of Your Assistance.


Jack Serafino