68 panel truck Seeks Knowledge....341 Trans

[68 C-10 Panel]

Hi everyone, i hope that I am posting in the right area. The Suburbans and Blazers seem to be my closest relatives in the old truck world. Anyway I have this wonderful new project of a panel truck that I plan on restoring to original condition. It has a 250 inline six and a 341 three speed manual. Is this the original trans? I am finding little information about it on the net, the only way I found out what I had was thanks to one of your threads. I am looking for any information available and possibly some rebuild kits/parts when the time comes. Thanks in advance

[Skirkpat]

Hi, and welcome, I do not know if you are wanting to keep the same trans for a reason, but in my opinion, it would be cheaper to just find another one to throw in it, I have one I figure will sit until i scrap it....you found a great site to source rare parts and info from though. Good luck

[olblue60@aol.com]

Welcome to the board!

John

[68 C-10 Panel]

The trans seems to be in ok shape. It has somewhat a hard time finding first gear. yes I adjusted the linkage However I am interested in finding out if this is the "original" trans. I like to keep things stock and original if possible. nasty habit that started with my old Harleys. If it is the right one I would have no problem with tossin it on the bench and goin through it. The VIN doesnt seem to have a trans code not to mention the CS15 in the vin has a 5 not a 4-pickup, 6-suburban, 8-blazer. I know its a panel but whats with no 5 on the lookup sheets. the trans has a (gm 383026) on the side if that helps. Thanks again for the hospitality and the info.

[Skirkpat]

I like the original parts also, I have come to think of it as "Green" I try to use whatever is there , oh and free whenever possible. All I was saying is that originality on these is not as important and also does not affect value like in the car world, I am sure people on here will disagree, but the numbers really do not back it up...they did not put the VIN # on engines like they did cars, so I doubt that they would put any Vin # on the trans. There should be a sticker on the glove box door that will tell you if an optional trans was used, if not it will be the standard three speed, which is a decent trans for an A to B vehicle, but I would personally rather have at least an Overdriven three speed or a car 4/5 speed. Just more fun to drive, and cheaper on gas. As far as rebuilding the 3 speed that is stock, I do not know of anyone that has done it. I am sure you could, but unless it was ran out of gear oil. I think they are pretty indestructable behind the 250...I just rebuilt my shifter on my three speed, it seems the 40+ years had taken it's toll on the bushings. If you are using the column shifter I have heard that they are prone to wear, and will probably need to be rebuilt or maybe adjusted a little differently?

Try this link

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...hifter+rebuild

[Longhorn Man]

a 5 in the VIN would be right for a panel.
Most VIN docoders are flawed. What you posted reads 2 wheel drive inline six, 1/2 ton, panel.

[Wood Booger]

Nice panel. I have the same year, but 3/4 ton, and mine came with a 292. Good luck.

[68 C-10 Panel]

Thanks for the info guys I'm pretty sure this is the "original" trans and I would like any info on what would swap in, I'm not to familiar with the bolt pattern on the 250 six. As long as it was able to be changed back I could just rebuild the 3-speed and put on the shelf. and take advantage of an overdrive. Thanks again.

[notsolo]

Originally Posted by 68 C-10 Panel

Thanks for the info guys I'm pretty sure this is the "original" trans and I would like any info on what would swap in, I'm not to familiar with the bolt pattern on the 250 six. As long as it was able to be changed back I could just rebuild the 3-speed and put on the shelf. and take advantage of an overdrive. Thanks again.

Originally My 62 panel came with a 230 6cyl..3 speed trans had already been swapped out with a 3 speed manual out of a 69 nova. I put a 283 in front of that. Chevy bolt patterns are very interchangable, good luck.

[68 C-10 Panel]

Thanks for all the info guys. I just had a friend offer me a 2 speed powerglide trans and I wonder what the pros/cons would be.

[trapperjack]

I have a 68 panel, v8 and powerglide from factory. Runs great, fun to drive, passes everything but the gas station. 70 is as fast as I've gone in it, it acts like it wants more, but it wraps up pretty good at 65.