Transmission / Overdrive: automatic transmission conversion

[ozrods]

Hello guys,We are a hotrod /resto shop in sunny Queensland Australia i am hoping someone can advise us on a transmission conversion on a 1953 commander .Vehicle is currently fitted with a 259 motor and 3 speed manual box,is there later automatic 3 or 4 speed that will fit the car without major mods.Any help would be appreciated.
Cheers Mick
Ps check out our web site www.oz-rods.com

[SN-60]

HI!! If You want to stick with all factory parts, I think Your best bet would be to go with a '56-'64 Studebaker Flightomatic unit. '56 or '57 would be the 'best find' because You could retain Your present two piece driveshaft. A parts car would be nice to find, but I realize Your in OZ so that might not be so easy. Might also be a good time to convert to a 12 volt electrical system....Good luck!

[Swifster]

The common trans used is the 700R4 or the 4L60. Myers Studebaker should sell a complete kit...

http://www.myersstudebaker.com/chevy_adapter_kit.htm

If the car has been switched over to 12 volts and you'd like to eliminate the TV cable, you could use the 4L60E. GM sells a stand alone controller and wiring harness.

[SN-60]

The common trans used is the 700R4 or the 4L60. Myers Studebaker should sell a complete kit...

http://www.myersstudebaker.com/chevy_adapter_kit.htm

Swifster...I think He want's to keep it all Studebaker.....but I may be wrong about that!

[StudeRich]

I think your process starts with finding out which Clutch Housing you have to deal with.
It could have retained the old tiny Housing for the smaller Flywheel and 9 1/4 In. Pressure Plate and Disc. from the old '53 232 Engine.

Or it could have been changed to the later '55-'64 Type that will except the 10 1/2 in. Clutch also the later "off square" Trans. Bolt Pattern.

The clutch housing is where you start, to get everything else to mate up to the Engine.

[avantilover]

You could also contact Chris Skinner in Coorparoo who operates Studebaker Queensland

https://WWW.studeparts.com.au

Chris is a great help and is supplying most of the parts for my 1962 upgrade.

[avantilover]

Chris just emailed me. He called them and hopefully fixed their issues.
Said he knows both car and owner.