Supermatic drive question

snowshoe90aolcom
snowshoe90aolcom Expert Adviser
in HUDSON
The '50 Commodore 6 I picked up has the Supermatic drive transmission in it and it's missing the K22-19 part (according to the 48-54 master parts manual page 156 & 157). I can't tell where it goes but the part description leads me to the conclusion that it ran to the air cleaner...which is missing from the car. There are no views from the right side of the engine. Does anyone have a picture of the routing or of the correct air cleaner OR can I just put a small filter right at the source of K22-5?  Terry

Comments

  • Park_W
    Park_W Senior Contributor
    Terry, I think that pipe did lead over to the air cleaner, as a source of clean intake air for the system.  You could indeed put a small filter on it, or more nearly mimic the original setup by installing a nipple on the bottom of the air cleaner, done so as to take in filtered air, then using a length of neoprene hose to connect to the control valve.
  • Nevada Hudson
    Nevada Hudson Senior Contributor

    Really neat that you are getting that now, rare option, working.

    You should have seen the crowd around the working demonstration of one at French Lick!

  • Uncle Josh
    Uncle Josh Senior Contributor

    My 49 Commadore had one when I got it.  I do seem to remember a hose going to the bottom of the air cleaner. There was about a half-inch a pipe going to a threaded hole in the manifold as well.

  • snowshoe90aolcom
    snowshoe90aolcom Expert Adviser
    The seller called today to say he found the small pipe to the air cleaner and he's still looking for the air cleaner itself. When I bought it he said the clutch was stuck but the clutch seemed fine to me...just by pushing on the pedal....so maybe the Supermatic Drive was still engaged as the column shifter seems like its not engaging any gears...I have the battery out on a maintainer while I fool around on this contraption so tomorrow I'll put it back in and press the button (manual) and see what happens.
  • Nevada Hudson
    Nevada Hudson Senior Contributor

    Rube Goldberg would be proud!


  • KTRON
    KTRON Member
    Is the "supermatic" transmission another name for the "drive-master"?

    Chris
  • railknight
    railknight Expert Adviser

    Supermatic was "drive-master" with overdrive.

    Dan

  • cvs
    cvs Senior Contributor
    curious did you buy the car in Memphis?
  • snowshoe90aolcom
    snowshoe90aolcom Expert Adviser
    No,  the car was in Fargo, North Dakota. I was going to fiddle with the Supermatic but started to check the wiring and fuses and found a real good condition harness behind the dash. I now have the speedo, clock and everything else removed for cleaning and polishing. However, it appears that I'm missing the OD cable....the jacket is there but no handle. Also, the front shock(s) lower mounting piece were missing and the sway bar links were toast...I've got both sets of items coming. I found a lot of information on the Supermatic Drive in the 1950 mechanical procedures file and I have to be honest, climbing Mount Everest might be easier. Rube Goldberg indeed....
  • SuperDave
    SuperDave Senior Contributor
    Is the "supermatic" transmission another name for the "drive-master"?

    Chrid
    Just to add to the mix of information. My 49 Commodore eight has a switch on the dash labeled "Dr.Master" It also has Overdrive. The wiring is there, but the mechanism's for the DM are missing. Thanks to several members I have been able to acquire a bushel basket of parts, Only 6 Cyl stuff. but no mounts for an eight cylinder. There are a few unique pieces I need.I sure would like to put it all together. I like Rube Goldberg stuff! LOL
  • Per
    Per Member
    Dave,

         Four years ago I bought a Commodore 8 with Drivemaster.  It had been stored with water in the engine, which was cracked and extremely rusty inside, so I ended up putting in a 6.  Although I have now gotten an 8, if I get around to putting it in the car, I do not intend to install the Drivemaster.  It is most likely not worn too much since the car only had 32.000 miles when stored in the early 1960s.

         If you would like it, I'll send it, and you just pay the postage.

                       Per
         
         
          

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