[murdock1963]

Hey everyone im new to this forum and just have a few Qs. My father inherited a 1963 Tempest wagon from his aunt he didnt want it so, I told him that I would take it. It has the 195 four with a 1 bbl carb and t 2 speed auto. I would like to convert this car to a V-8 and a straight axle rear. Is there any car about the same width that I can take the drive train out of and fit in the Tempest. What kind of set-up do you guys use for a tranny and rear? What about cross member do you fab your know or is there a donor out there? Thanks guys

Matt

[WDCreech]

The rear tread width of your '63 is 58". I used a 12 bolt from a '65 Chevelle under my '63 LeMans. I believe that All of the GM A-bodies were the same between '64 & '66, then in '67 the width was increased one inch to 59".

[WDCreech]

I had made a list of the rear tread widths of various cars and just found it. I'll give you just the cars that are 58".

Tempest '64, '65, '66
F-85 '64 & '65
Speacial '64 & '65
Chevelle '64, '65, '66, ''67
Camaro '68 & '69 (leaf springs)

[65nss4spdGTO]

A 1957 rear end Pontiac/ Olds housing would work well, just a bit narrower then the 10-bolts, nice selection of gears available and much stronger. Mark Williams makes billet caps and yokes. Look for a 31 spline set up.

[WDCreech]

Originally Posted by 65nss4spdGTO

A 1957 rear end Pontiac/ Olds housing would work well, just a bit narrower then the 10-bolts, nice selection of gears available and much stronger. Mark Williams makes billet caps and yokes. Look for a 31 spline set up.

A 57 Olds or Pontiac rear would be even tougher than a 12 bolt, but how easy would it be to find one compared to a 64 through 67 Chevy 12 bolt? Also, parts are easier to find, and cheaper, for the 12 bolt.

[tom s]

I have built a few of these cars and have used the 57-58 rear,IMO I would ONLY start with a 9in if was to do again.Drop out 3rd member,LOTS of ratios and parts avail.Tom

[murdock1963]

How do you guys mount these rears? Do you use a 4 link type set-up? Has anyone on there ever done one with a leaf spring? Also how much do you have to cut out of the floor pan to install a TH-340 or 400?

[mechanickeith]

Do a search in this forum. This has been covered many times. Answers to all your questions are here, with pics.