Turning a 57 truck to Automatic Transmission

[59Panel]

So my daughter was just gifted a beautiful 57 truck, mostly original. It was built out of three trucks, 55-59. I want to put in an automatic transmission. Any ideas for a type of transmission and set up. The wife also wants to put in power steering and ABS. Photos are to come. . .

[blackdiesel]

Very nice, Does she have a boyfriend? The auto, and steering will be a breeze. I would go with a 700r4. Now the ABS is going to be a big job. whole new front and rearend will be in order. I'm sure it's been done, but most rodders aren't into ABS.

[OrrieG]

Why the ABS??? I have had cars for my wife with ABS since 1994 and in 15 years we have only been in situation where it activated twice. I have never seen a rod with it, I think because of the complexity of setting it set up. Take a look at the plumbing and electronics involved and go talk to some dealer techs and I think you will agree. Just teach you daughter defensive driving, not to use the cell phone, and not to tail-gate and she should be fine.

[59Panel]

Fair enough. ABS is an overshot. Disc for the front brakes should be good.

I am really working on an automatic transmissions and power steering now. After a closer look at the truck we have a bit more to do than expected. It ran clean four years ago, maybe six now. There are a lot of simple upgrades that can be done to get it to drive.

For my daughter, we have to get it simple. She will be working on it with me. No work without her help!

-Dave

[blackdiesel]

If it were me, I would do IFS and a v-8 auto transplant. That would give you your PS, disc brake, and better ride and handling. Dad made Me and my two sister biuld our first rigs. That time was worth it's wieght in gold. Dad and I always have a car project going, sometime 3 or 4. lol

[OrrieG]

newer auto trans with the original engine is going to be a challenge, its not the same bellhousing bolt pattern as SBC. There are a couple of places that have adaptors but they are not cheap. here is one

http://www.stoveboltengineco.com/howto/trans.htm

For the same time, money and probably less effort you could drop in at 350/auto of your choice. PS is easy too, there are lots of aftermarket kits available.