Putting Overdrive in 51 Pacemaker-Need Advise

hudsn47
hudsn47 Senior Contributor
edited November -1 in HUDSON
After putting a couple thousand miles on the Pacemaker this season it has become apparant that overdrive is the next project for the Hudson especially if I'm going to run with the Alabama bunch (they like to go fast down here). I've located a 49 Super Six as a donor car. The question is what OD parts will swap from the 49 OD to the 51 Pacemaker, with the original 232 and single lever trans? Will the driveshaft from the 49 OD work with the Pacemaker? I've researched and there are some posts on that indicate this has been done but not alot of detail on the parts swap so I decided best to just start a new thread. Any help is appreciated!

Comments

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    If you have a doner car that is great. The overdrive car and the Hydromatic car use a shorter driveshaft. it is easily mover from one car to another. The body of the long car and the short cars is the same rear of the firewall. The overdrive had a different rear end ratio but not by much. All the parts from doner should move right over.

    Roger
  • Marconi
    Marconi Senior Contributor
    Also make sure you change the flywheel and clutch to the 10" unit from the donor car, if you don't do it now, you'll be doing it sooner or later! Easier to do it now while everything's apart for the changeover.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    No dont cut anything , use the shorter shaft from the doner car.It will fit fine. actualy the front shaft is the only differance.And yes all the overdrive cars had the larger clutch.
  • hudsn47
    hudsn47 Senior Contributor
    Really appreciate all the advise and very happy the 49 O/D will swap into the 51 Pacemaker. Now to pull the parts out of the donor car and get them ready to install. Not sure what condition the donor O/D is in since the car is very rusty and sat outside for a long period so probably should at least do a good inspection before installing. Any suggestions on what parts are wise to replace on the O/D tranny?

    Thanks!

    Doug in Huntsville
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    If you are not fammiliar with one I think I would leave it alone. Or take it to someone who works on them to look it over.
    If you are real confident in your abilites buy a service manual and parts manual , Orders a set of gaskets and some seals and take it apaart.
    The solenoid and speed switch are common trouble spots. Also a weak spring for the shifter detent tends let it pop out of second gear.Not a bad idea to change that if you have it open.
    Roger
  • mars55
    mars55 Senior Contributor
    The Master Parts Manual lists a different part number for short wheelbase cars front drive shafts.
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