I have a ‘50 Styleline Deluxe 2 door. I would like to update it somewhat. I am concentrating the rear end. I keep seeing talk about torque tubes and what not. What is a torque tube? What is the difference between these 1950 driveshafts and more modern driveshafts? I’ve seen talk of using camaro rear ends and I’ve seen talk of using S10 rear ends. Now, I am a man of pretty basic self taught mechanic means. I have the tools, and the means (I hope) Which set up is the easiest way to go for a guy that is not an ace mechanic? Thanks!!!
If you've been underneath that old Chevy car it should look mighty strange. https://talk.classicparts.com/attachments/cmp330a-jpg.7493/ http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1949_53/04rear/4_02.HTM http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1949_53/04rear/4_05.HTM The torque tube handles several of the driving and braking forces, transferring them to the "ball" up on the transmission. As result the leaf springs leafs are kind of narrow and tall compared to Hotchkiss rear ends.
Torque tube rear axle has a long solid tube that goes from the back of the transmission to the rear axle. The drive shaft goes inside it. The drive shaft has only one universal joint, at the front. The torque tube pivots on a ball joint at the front, attached to a frame crossmember. This anchors the rear axle assembly and stops it moving forward or backward. The springs are arranged so the axle can float, they do not locate the axle like a regular open drive rear axle. Torque tube drive was used by Ford Mercury and Lincoln up to 1948, Buick to 1959 and Chevrolet to 1954. If you install an open drive rear axle in one of those you have to rearrange the rear suspension to locate the axle. Torque tube drive also used on Nash and AMC cars to the mid sixties and many older cars not worth going into here.
Also note that the transmission you have will not work with an "open" driveshaft. You will need a transmission that uses what is called a slip yoke. The slip yoke provides for the changing distance between the rear axle and the transmission as the rear suspension compresses and rebounds.
Unfortunately, after I aquired the car, and before I got to jack her up and give her a good lookin’ at, I fractured some vertebrae and some ribs, along with a choice few other injuries at work. (by the way I now know that it hurts to have a pick up bed to fall on your back) I did get to take a few downtown drives before the two old tires on the front exploded. Luckily, they waited to explode in the driveway. They just exploded sitting there. Sorry that was a bit of a ramble.
If you update one of the easier swaps is a 55-57 Chevy rearend.Redrill a hole for the spring center bolt. If your keeping the 6 cylinder add a 55 up 3speed trans,or put a T5 in it,and have overdrive.
Note redrilling for the center bolt. In my old 54 I moved the axle around 3 times be fore I liked how the wheel and tire looked in the opening. The stock spring pin is offset not centered like say a Nova.
Also, is there a “modern” engine that will bolt up to the factory 3 on the tree trans? Doesn’t matter if it’s a 4/6/8 cylinder, honestly.
before getting to involved with "MODERN" style engines Read thru the rules.. The H.A.M.B.: Rules & Guidelines | The H.A.M.B. (jalopyjournal.com)
Reading through your questions my best advice is for you to decide how much and exactly "How" your going to try to drive this thing. One change always leads to another. Avoid the mess and make a Package move meaning all 3 items, Motor, Trans and rear Axle. Now your building a Car not a Headach. The other option and nothing wrong with it to stay 6 Cyl. Lot's of good options there also.
Don’t throw away the 216, they’re good little engines, just not hotrod material, or capable of handling today’s highway speeds without some help. My ‘ 50 Fleetline 4 door has one and is a fine cruiser!
Only other engine family that has the same bellhousing pattern is the GMC six from the same general time era as your car (228, 236, 248, 270, 302, might have forgot some sizes). GMC six is longer than the Chevrolet six. Not a direct bolt in. But lot easier than other engines. Sent from my SM-G950U using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
A simple and cheap way to make your car a little better as far as attaining a higher rate of speed is to find a ‘51-‘54 rear end from an automatic transmission Chevrolet vehicle. The gear ratio is a bit lower than the standard transmission car. Also it will have Bendix brakes instead of Huck, better stopping!
The Jalopy Journal
