3 speed overdrive!!, now about getting it in....... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

murdoc · 11-09-2008, 08:53 PM

after years and years i finally scored one of these overdrive units. im excited to get it in, but not quite sure how to do it for our year trucks.

i have the common non syncro'd 3 speed on the column in now, so im wondering if i can use the same column and shifter arms that i have already. anyone made the conversion from the 4 bolt side cover non syncro'd, to the fully syncro'd 7 bolt side cover saginaw? anyone have any tips for me?

murdoc · 11-09-2008, 11:49 PM

bump

HOTFUN · 11-10-2008, 12:07 AM

Great score. I put one in my 56 BelAir and I had to swap the transmission levers and modify(cut/reweld for new angle) the front lever to get the right angle to my floor pan on the 56. I used my original (56) shift linkage but my car also used a bell crank linkage for the 2nd/3rd lever. You might get by using the original linkage and not modify your levers too. Just bolt it right back into the truck where your 3 speed came out and start checking the linkages and clearances. I had my 1st/rev linkage off at least a dozen times bending it in the vise. I think it works great now. You might have to work on your speedometer gear if your rear end is not a 4:10. I had to use a AC reduction box on the transmission to get my speedo to read near right.

joe231 · 11-10-2008, 12:27 AM

i have no info, but wanted to say "cool!"

murdoc · 11-10-2008, 01:18 AM

thanks guys, i was worried i would probably have that problem, a lot of adjusting to get it right, but i guess its pretty naive of me to expect anything different, i will take pics of my progress...

HOTFUN · 11-10-2008, 02:52 AM

Good luck. It is one awesome tranny when you get it all right.

1restorick · 11-10-2008, 08:30 AM

Sir, I have this transmission in my 1963 truck and it looks identical to yours. My column shift linkage is stock. This transmission works real nice, however my first gear is still non-sychromesh. The overdrive feature is awesome and with a 4:11 rear gear, I only spin 2000 rpm at sixty miles per hour. Best of luck in the install. It should be very straight forward. You will need a heavy duty relay and a gas pedal switch for the kickdown feature. Building a wiring harness for this installation is very straight forward.

Rick

Texasdeere · 03-13-2009, 12:38 PM

Have you got it hooked up yet? How do you like it?

Rogue · 03-13-2009, 12:47 PM

I understand you can put that OD unit on a Saginaw 4sp too.

Texasdeere · 03-13-2009, 11:17 PM

I found a Saginaw Overdrive tranny just like this one with the 7 bolt side cover. I am hoping it is a syncro first gear. I think it would be a cool bolt on for my 59 Apache.

murdoc · 03-14-2009, 02:22 AM

yep, they are synchronized first gears, the seven bolts are at least.

No, I havent gotten this one in yet, for good reason though...right after buying this one, I found another 3 speed overdrive for sale for $100.00 Its the four bolt non sync'd version, but still, for a hundred bucks i can't complain.

I went through this entire tranny on the inside and then cleaned and painted it. I figured since i have never driven an overdrive before, I learn on this less expensive version and not risk the seven bolt.

Ill post pics of it in my truck later this weekend, I might start a thread on rebuilding a three speed steering column too........Its what has delayed my project for this long.....

aboz · 03-15-2009, 02:43 PM

Will you be selling one of those trannys when you've picked the one you want in your truck? I've been looking for one since I bought my '63 a year and a half ago. Will the same drive shaft work or will you have to get a shorter one? please let us know of any mods you have to make and post progress pics!

murdoc · 03-16-2009, 12:36 PM

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slorio · 03-16-2009, 04:12 PM

Count me in too! I have a 7 bolt in a UPS truck that is supposed to get delivered today. Mine is going in a 1966 GMC with a 305E V6. Are any of you folks running a floor shifter on your OD? I am a little concerned about clearance issues with the solenoid? I have stock wiring diagrams downloaded if anyone needs it.

Regards,
Steve
New Orleans.

Joemomma1 · 03-16-2009, 08:08 PM

What kind of vehicle has these? Wouldnt a 700R4 be simpler?

texanidiot25 · 03-16-2009, 09:02 PM

Not entirely, a shortened driveshaft is needed, parts for the TV cable (absolute must), wiring to shut down the lock-up converter, moving the trans x-member back.

And it's not a stick.

aboz · 03-17-2009, 11:53 AM

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If you need any further assistance with that please contact any Admin for help.

murdoc · 03-17-2009, 06:47 PM

well alright i didn't get to posting these pics as soon as i had planned. anyways, here they are: I mated my o/d to a 250 inline to hopefully get the best fuel economy while driving my truck this summer, the 3:73 posi is expected to help out as well.

It was originally a four speed truck with a REALLY tired, oil caked 283. did the tall hump to small tranny hump conversion, rebuilt one good 3 speed column out of three columns i had, and working on the overdrive cable and wiring today............

I'll be talking to that guy with the overdrive tomorrow 3/18. I'll keep ya'll posted

aboz · 03-17-2009, 07:18 PM

Thanks Murdoc. I'll stay posted. I've got a 250 that originally ran in a 1970 Nova. Please update me on the overdrive cable and the wiring as I know nothing about how to upgrade to this type of transmission. Let me know how your gas mileage works out as I have 3.73 gears as well.

BluTrukker · 03-18-2009, 07:22 AM

Did someone say you can bypass the solenoids and fabricate something to engage it manually? That would be great as I have been having no luck finding new electrical components for mine.

slorio · 03-18-2009, 09:44 AM

Murdoc: One question since you have the old (4 bolt side cover) and new (7 bolt side cover) transmissions, are the governor switches interchangeable? I took delivery of my 7 bolt side cover transmission, but UPS was kind enough to break the switch in shipment. Now I need to make a claim on the shipping insurance. Please let me know if these interchange since this will open more possibilities for finding another switch.

Thanks
Steve
new orleans

murdoc · 03-19-2009, 10:22 PM

Steve, unfortunately the governors are not interchangeable, If you are talking about the part that screws into the back of the o/d tail housing on the "passengers" side of the tranny.

a pics worth a thousand....heres the one for a 4 bolt side cover:

And heres a 7 bolt side cover governor:

The later model ones are notorious for cracking and breaking because they have a black PLASTIC top on them that doesnt have a chance when it meets up against a careless, clumsy parts puller/transporter. mine has a hairline crack in it and still works, if its any consolation. I dont know of many that have survived the past 30 years unscathed.

you can find em on ebay from time to time.....oh the guy stood me up for the od, ill go there on the weekend when its best for him

slorio · 03-20-2009, 08:20 AM

Murdoc:
Thanks for the pictures. I am going to do some trolling on E bay for one. Now I know what I am looking for.
regards,
Steve

BluTrukker · 04-13-2009, 12:18 PM

I have heard that you can just run a switched 12V wire to the solenoid to engage/disengage it. Thus bypassing the kickdown switch and the governer. Is it true? Has anyone done this?

slorio · 04-13-2009, 07:21 PM

I have heard that you can just run a switched 12V wire to the solenoid to engage/disengage it. Thus bypassing the kickdown switch and the governer. Is it true? Has anyone done this?

Yes, you can bypass the kickdown switch and governor, but you should still have the switch controlling a relay rather than going directly to the solenoid. The solenoid pulls 20 amps when it is closing and 10 amps once it is closed. If you only have a switch without the relay, the switch will likely not last very long.

Regards,
Steve
New Orleans

11-09-2008, 08:53 PM	#1
murdoc Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: nampa, idaho Posts: 332	3 speed overdrive!!, now about getting it in....... after years and years i finally scored one of these overdrive units. im excited to get it in, but not quite sure how to do it for our year trucks. i have the common non syncro'd 3 speed on the column in now, so im wondering if i can use the same column and shifter arms that i have already. anyone made the conversion from the 4 bolt side cover non syncro'd, to the fully syncro'd 7 bolt side cover saginaw? anyone have any tips for me?

11-09-2008, 11:49 PM	#2
murdoc Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: nampa, idaho Posts: 332	Re: 3 speed overdrive!!, now about getting it in....... bump

11-10-2008, 12:07 AM	#3
HOTFUN Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska Posts: 2,145	Re: 3 speed overdrive!!, now about getting it in....... Great score. I put one in my 56 BelAir and I had to swap the transmission levers and modify(cut/reweld for new angle) the front lever to get the right angle to my floor pan on the 56. I used my original (56) shift linkage but my car also used a bell crank linkage for the 2nd/3rd lever. You might get by using the original linkage and not modify your levers too. Just bolt it right back into the truck where your 3 speed came out and start checking the linkages and clearances. I had my 1st/rev linkage off at least a dozen times bending it in the vise. I think it works great now. You might have to work on your speedometer gear if your rear end is not a 4:10. I had to use a AC reduction box on the transmission to get my speedo to read near right. __________________ '66 CST BBW swb fleet 327 fac ac '67 CST 4x4 swb 327 stepside project '72 Cheyenne K20 50k original '72 Cheyenne Super K20 project '73 Sierra swb 4x4 frame off in paint stage '74 Cheyenne Super swb w/16k actual '71 & 72 Cheyenne K10 4x4 swb's '70 426 HEMICUDA conv SHAKER 4 sp Dana 60 '60 Impala conv 327 PG fac ac loaded 3rd owner '72 GMC K2500 4x4 '59 Apache CST BBW fleetside swb 283 '73 ElCamino SS LS1 T56 true SS bucket tach '76 ElCamino SS 52k survivor '87 Grand National 41k True 2nd to last built in 1987. '86 K30 454 SRW fleetside CA since new '88 Trans Am GTA 39k bought new 2018 DEMON plum crazy @ 840HP! "Need for speed" Last edited by HOTFUN; 11-10-2008 at 12:33 AM. Reason: spelling

11-10-2008, 12:27 AM	#4
joe231 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Palmer, Alaska Posts: 13,821	Re: 3 speed overdrive!!, now about getting it in....... i have no info, but wanted to say "cool!" __________________ *CHEVY ONLY*

11-10-2008, 01:18 AM	#5
murdoc Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: nampa, idaho Posts: 332	Re: 3 speed overdrive!!, now about getting it in....... thanks guys, i was worried i would probably have that problem, a lot of adjusting to get it right, but i guess its pretty naive of me to expect anything different, i will take pics of my progress...

11-10-2008, 02:52 AM	#6
HOTFUN Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska Posts: 2,145	Re: 3 speed overdrive!!, now about getting it in....... Good luck. It is one awesome tranny when you get it all right. __________________ '66 CST BBW swb fleet 327 fac ac '67 CST 4x4 swb 327 stepside project '72 Cheyenne K20 50k original '72 Cheyenne Super K20 project '73 Sierra swb 4x4 frame off in paint stage '74 Cheyenne Super swb w/16k actual '71 & 72 Cheyenne K10 4x4 swb's '70 426 HEMICUDA conv SHAKER 4 sp Dana 60 '60 Impala conv 327 PG fac ac loaded 3rd owner '72 GMC K2500 4x4 '59 Apache CST BBW fleetside swb 283 '73 ElCamino SS LS1 T56 true SS bucket tach '76 ElCamino SS 52k survivor '87 Grand National 41k True 2nd to last built in 1987. '86 K30 454 SRW fleetside CA since new '88 Trans Am GTA 39k bought new 2018 DEMON plum crazy @ 840HP! "Need for speed"

11-10-2008, 08:30 AM	#7
1restorick Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: South West Pennsylvania Posts: 164	Re: 3 speed overdrive!!, now about getting it in....... Sir, I have this transmission in my 1963 truck and it looks identical to yours. My column shift linkage is stock. This transmission works real nice, however my first gear is still non-sychromesh. The overdrive feature is awesome and with a 4:11 rear gear, I only spin 2000 rpm at sixty miles per hour. Best of luck in the install. It should be very straight forward. You will need a heavy duty relay and a gas pedal switch for the kickdown feature. Building a wiring harness for this installation is very straight forward. Rick __________________ RED RUMBLE 1963 C10 Chevy Truck Owned since 1984

03-13-2009, 12:38 PM	#8
Texasdeere Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: League City, Texas Posts: 732	Re: 3 speed overdrive!!, now about getting it in....... Have you got it hooked up yet? How do you like it?

03-13-2009, 12:47 PM	#9
Rogue Airport Bum Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Propwash (16Xray) D/FW, Texas Posts: 320	Re: 3 speed overdrive!!, now about getting it in....... I understand you can put that OD unit on a Saginaw 4sp too. __________________ 1964 Chevrolet C-10 1941 Chevrolet coupe 1962 Thunderbird 1959 Edsel Villager 1963 Skylark

03-13-2009, 11:17 PM	#10
Texasdeere Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: League City, Texas Posts: 732	Re: 3 speed overdrive!!, now about getting it in....... I found a Saginaw Overdrive tranny just like this one with the 7 bolt side cover. I am hoping it is a syncro first gear. I think it would be a cool bolt on for my 59 Apache.

03-14-2009, 02:22 AM	#11
murdoc Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: nampa, idaho Posts: 332	Re: 3 speed overdrive!!, now about getting it in....... yep, they are synchronized first gears, the seven bolts are at least. No, I havent gotten this one in yet, for good reason though...right after buying this one, I found another 3 speed overdrive for sale for $100.00 Its the four bolt non sync'd version, but still, for a hundred bucks i can't complain. I went through this entire tranny on the inside and then cleaned and painted it. I figured since i have never driven an overdrive before, I learn on this less expensive version and not risk the seven bolt. Ill post pics of it in my truck later this weekend, I might start a thread on rebuilding a three speed steering column too........Its what has delayed my project for this long.....

03-15-2009, 02:43 PM	#12
aboz Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: indian trail, nc Posts: 192	Re: 3 speed overdrive!!, now about getting it in....... Will you be selling one of those trannys when you've picked the one you want in your truck? I've been looking for one since I bought my '63 a year and a half ago. Will the same drive shaft work or will you have to get a shorter one? please let us know of any mods you have to make and post progress pics! __________________ ABOZ

03-16-2009, 12:36 PM	#13
murdoc Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: nampa, idaho Posts: 332	Re: 3 speed overdrive!!, now about getting it in....... Please note that you must be a supporting member to post classified items. This includes but is not limited to What Its Worth, Want To Buy, Want To Trade, and For Sale. Please consider supporting the forum by subscribing. Further information on the subscription levels available are located here If you need any further assistance with that please contact any Admin for help. Last edited by 70cst; 05-09-2012 at 09:22 AM.

03-16-2009, 04:12 PM	#14
slorio Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Louisiana Posts: 375	Re: 3 speed overdrive!!, now about getting it in....... Count me in too! I have a 7 bolt in a UPS truck that is supposed to get delivered today. Mine is going in a 1966 GMC with a 305E V6. Are any of you folks running a floor shifter on your OD? I am a little concerned about clearance issues with the solenoid? I have stock wiring diagrams downloaded if anyone needs it. Regards, Steve New Orleans.

03-16-2009, 08:08 PM	#15
Joemomma1 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: CA Posts: 814	Re: 3 speed overdrive!!, now about getting it in....... What kind of vehicle has these? Wouldnt a 700R4 be simpler?



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03-16-2009, 09:02 PM	#16
texanidiot25 Eat My Rust Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Cypress, Texas Posts: 3,362	Re: 3 speed overdrive!!, now about getting it in....... Not entirely, a shortened driveshaft is needed, parts for the TV cable (absolute must), wiring to shut down the lock-up converter, moving the trans x-member back. And it's not a stick.

03-17-2009, 11:53 AM	#17
aboz Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: indian trail, nc Posts: 192	Re: 3 speed overdrive!!, now about getting it in....... Please note that you must be a supporting member to post classified items. This includes but is not limited to What Its Worth, Want To Buy, Want To Trade, and For Sale. Please consider supporting the forum by subscribing. Further information on the subscription levels available are located here If you need any further assistance with that please contact any Admin for help. __________________ ABOZ Last edited by 70cst; 05-09-2012 at 09:23 AM.

03-17-2009, 06:47 PM	#18
murdoc Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: nampa, idaho Posts: 332	Re: 3 speed overdrive!!, now about getting it in....... well alright i didn't get to posting these pics as soon as i had planned. anyways, here they are: I mated my o/d to a 250 inline to hopefully get the best fuel economy while driving my truck this summer, the 3:73 posi is expected to help out as well. It was originally a four speed truck with a REALLY tired, oil caked 283. did the tall hump to small tranny hump conversion, rebuilt one good 3 speed column out of three columns i had, and working on the overdrive cable and wiring today............ I'll be talking to that guy with the overdrive tomorrow 3/18. I'll keep ya'll posted

03-17-2009, 07:18 PM	#19
aboz Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: indian trail, nc Posts: 192	Re: 3 speed overdrive!!, now about getting it in....... Thanks Murdoc. I'll stay posted. I've got a 250 that originally ran in a 1970 Nova. Please update me on the overdrive cable and the wiring as I know nothing about how to upgrade to this type of transmission. Let me know how your gas mileage works out as I have 3.73 gears as well. __________________ ABOZ

03-18-2009, 07:22 AM	#20
BluTrukker BOHICA Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Stewartville, MN Posts: 440	Re: 3 speed overdrive!!, now about getting it in....... Did someone say you can bypass the solenoids and fabricate something to engage it manually? That would be great as I have been having no luck finding new electrical components for mine. __________________ Trying to save someone from their own stupidity is like teaching a pig to dance. It is a waste of your time, and it annoys the pig!

03-18-2009, 09:44 AM	#21
slorio Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Louisiana Posts: 375	Re: 3 speed overdrive!!, now about getting it in....... Murdoc: One question since you have the old (4 bolt side cover) and new (7 bolt side cover) transmissions, are the governor switches interchangeable? I took delivery of my 7 bolt side cover transmission, but UPS was kind enough to break the switch in shipment. Now I need to make a claim on the shipping insurance. Please let me know if these interchange since this will open more possibilities for finding another switch. Thanks Steve new orleans

03-19-2009, 10:22 PM	#22
murdoc Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: nampa, idaho Posts: 332	Re: 3 speed overdrive!!, now about getting it in....... Steve, unfortunately the governors are not interchangeable, If you are talking about the part that screws into the back of the o/d tail housing on the "passengers" side of the tranny. a pics worth a thousand....heres the one for a 4 bolt side cover: And heres a 7 bolt side cover governor: The later model ones are notorious for cracking and breaking because they have a black PLASTIC top on them that doesnt have a chance when it meets up against a careless, clumsy parts puller/transporter. mine has a hairline crack in it and still works, if its any consolation. I dont know of many that have survived the past 30 years unscathed. you can find em on ebay from time to time.....oh the guy stood me up for the od, ill go there on the weekend when its best for him

03-20-2009, 08:20 AM	#23
slorio Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Louisiana Posts: 375	Re: 3 speed overdrive!!, now about getting it in....... Murdoc: Thanks for the pictures. I am going to do some trolling on E bay for one. Now I know what I am looking for. regards, Steve

04-13-2009, 12:18 PM	#24
BluTrukker BOHICA Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Stewartville, MN Posts: 440	Re: 3 speed overdrive!!, now about getting it in....... I have heard that you can just run a switched 12V wire to the solenoid to engage/disengage it. Thus bypassing the kickdown switch and the governer. Is it true? Has anyone done this? __________________ Trying to save someone from their own stupidity is like teaching a pig to dance. It is a waste of your time, and it annoys the pig!

04-13-2009, 07:21 PM	#25
slorio Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Louisiana Posts: 375	Re: 3 speed overdrive!!, now about getting it in....... I have heard that you can just run a switched 12V wire to the solenoid to engage/disengage it. Thus bypassing the kickdown switch and the governer. Is it true? Has anyone done this? Yes, you can bypass the kickdown switch and governor, but you should still have the switch controlling a relay rather than going directly to the solenoid. The solenoid pulls 20 amps when it is closing and 10 amps once it is closed. If you only have a switch without the relay, the switch will likely not last very long. Regards, Steve New Orleans

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