65GS.com - Buick Gran Sport Enthusiasts!

Classifieds => Parts Wanted => Topic started by: wheelz on January 30, 2015, 10:57:00 PM

Title: assistance with Trannys
Post by: wheelz on January 30, 2015, 10:57:00 PM
Guys.... IM kinda fumbling thru an engine swap here... I pulled a 401 motor out of one of my 65 GS's I've had for years.  The tranny is a wrong SP400 with a huge cracked bell...in two pieces   :angry5:  . . . so I figured since I have a 65 300 with 2 speed tranny I could just bolt it up to the 401.  not.    :crybaby2:   I am learning the 65 300 had a 2 speed tranny but apparently NOT a ST300 type with the rounded bell housing...

What other year Buicks came with 2 speed ST300 that would bolt up to this 401???

I need one close to me ....  ThanX for your help in advance.

Wheelz, Tampa Bay 
Title: Re: assistance with Trannys
Post by: WkillGS on January 30, 2015, 11:11:11 PM
Only 65-66 Skylark GS's had the st300 trans that would fit the Nailhead. The small-block 300-340 used the common BOP bellhousing pattern.
For a st400, 64-66 401-425, and some Jeeps in the late 70's had the round Nailhead bellhousing.
There aren't many choices for us!
Title: Re: assistance with Trannys
Post by: Loren At 65GS on January 31, 2015, 09:38:20 AM
Dennis,

As Walt pointed out, that case is particular to the nailhead  block. 
The 400 was used from '64-'66 in Buicks.  The ST300 was used '65 and '66 only, as noted by Walt.

Shame we are not closer, I have a '65 GS auto trans here that needs a new home.


  Loren
Title: Re: assistance with Trannys
Post by: schlepcar on February 01, 2015, 11:40:10 AM
Loren,
 I think you can still ship up to 150 lbs through greyhound. I also have an extra GS 300 trans,but I was not able to sell it because the shipping was ridiculous. I think if the convertor was shipped separately that thing has to weigh less than 150.   Dan
Title: Re: assistance with Trannys
Post by: Loren At 65GS on February 01, 2015, 11:47:39 AM
Looks like it is up to Dennis on that
Checked, max Greyhound is 100 LBS.  Not sure what a SP 300 weighs.



   Loren
Title: Re: assistance with Trannys
Post by: schlepcar on February 01, 2015, 12:58:47 PM
They used to let you ship freight collect if it was going to a business address, but I was told that changed too.  For all you "app" wizards out there, someone needs to connect drivers who are willing to take extra pieces like these when they are on the road and throw me back .0001 percent for the idea. I know heavy pieces are expensive , but they are getting crazy on anything over 20 lbs.
Title: Re: assistance with Trannys
Post by: wheelz on February 02, 2015, 08:38:15 AM
Wellllll...I sent a message to JW at V8 a few years ago SUGGESTING a new FIELD:  SHIPPING ASSISTANCE. This field would encompass ANYONE, anyWHERE, who knows someone who is DRIVING TO/FROM HERE'N THERE at anyTIME...  who wouldnt mind traveling with some extra Buick parts in the trunk for some extra gas money...

I and a few others thought it would be an excellent opportunity for both seller/buyer, but was told the Mods would have more 'holding hand' issues in cases where problems occures... ie: damaged, or unable to meet up within a reasonable time and who-knows whatelse...    understandable concerns I guess.

Still I believe it would be an opportunity we should look into..


MEANWHILE... Loren,  can we take a look into the greyhound thing?   :occasion14: There is a ST PETERSBURG Florida terminal relatively close to me.  Email me direct:  PenWheelz2@ij.net    THANX!


Wheelz, Tampa Bay
   
Title: Re: assistance with Trannys
Post by: Loren At 65GS on February 02, 2015, 09:46:44 AM
MEANWHILE... Loren,  can we take a look into the greyhound thing?   :occasion14: There is a ST PETERSBURG Florida terminal relatively close to me.  Email me direct:  PenWheelz2@ij.net    THANX!

PM sent ,Dennis

  Loren
Title: Re: assistance with Trannys
Post by: wheelz on February 02, 2015, 11:24:06 AM
Guys... GOD IS GOOD!   :notworthy:   I posted this same request for a ST300 on the V8Buick forum... I got a reply from a fello less than an hour from me in Kissimmee Fl, who owns a Jeep FC-170 with a 1966 Buick ST300. He is converting to a 700R4  THIS WEEK and has offered me everything ST300 related ie: Convertor, cables, mounts etc at a very sahweet deal!!!   :sunny:

However, since his JEEP had a 4x4 transfer case, the TAILSHAFT HOUSING on the ST300 is not available... :crybaby2:
QUESTIONS IS.... will a stock 2 speed 300 tranny TAIL SHAFT HOUSING bolt onto a ST300 tranny?

Thanx in advance for your input guys!!!

Wheelz, Tampa Bay



   

Title: Re: assistance with Trannys
Post by: Brian on February 02, 2015, 04:03:04 PM
Dennis,
  I have a Nailhead T400 transmission like you are taking out of the car if that will help you.  Came out of a 66 Riveria.  Been sitting in my barn in VA since 1988, so will need to be gone through.  Car it came out of had thrown a rod in the engine, so the trans was working fine the last time the car ran. 
Title: Re: assistance with Trannys
Post by: wheelz on February 02, 2015, 04:39:16 PM
THANQ Brian!   I will keep everyone posted on the results of the LOCAL FLORIDA GUY hepping me out...
Stay Tuned!

Wheelz, Tampa Bay
Title: Re: assistance with Trannys
Post by: wheelz on February 03, 2015, 12:22:32 PM
...justin case some of you missed this inquiry:

QUESTIONS IS.... will a stock 2 speed 300 tranny TAIL SHAFT HOUSING bolt onto a ST300 tranny?

Wheelz, Tampa Bay
Title: Re: assistance with Trannys
Post by: Brian on February 03, 2015, 12:51:33 PM
What you refer to as a stock 300 transmission is a ST300.  The ST300 in the regular skylark behind the 225/300/340 engines is the same transmission as is in the 65 and 66 GS, it just has a different main case because of the different bellhousing for the nailhead.  So yes, the tailhousing from a ST300 in a regular skylark will fit on a ST300 in a 401 GS. 
Title: Re: assistance with Trannys
Post by: wheelz on February 03, 2015, 02:32:15 PM
ahh HAh!  Thank You Brian!   :cheers2:
Title: Re: assistance with Trannys
Post by: Loren At 65GS on February 04, 2015, 12:00:56 PM
What you refer to as a stock 300 transmission is a ST300.  The ST300 in the regular skylark behind the 225/300/340 engines is the same transmission as is in the 65 and 66 GS, it just has a different main case because of the different bellhousing for the nailhead.  So yes, the tailhousing from a ST300 in a regular skylark will fit on a ST300 in a 401 GS.

I'm sorry, but they are not the exactly the same internals.

 The ST300 for the GS is some what different.  Right off, it has a different planetary clutch pack. A bit more heavy duty.
  Loren
Title: Re: assistance with Trannys
Post by: wheelz on February 04, 2015, 12:48:53 PM
I didnt intend for this topic to go in this particular direction however, I am just thrilled to learn the tailshaft housing will swap out!!   :blob7:  WooooHooo!

Wheelz, Tampa Bay
Title: Re: assistance with Trannys
Post by: Loren At 65GS on February 04, 2015, 01:00:05 PM
I didn't intend to step on toes, just wanted to clarify.

  Loren
Title: Re: assistance with Trannys
Post by: schlepcar on February 04, 2015, 03:13:26 PM
Hmmmm...
So,  these Buicks share the round bellhousing as some jeeps? Is this the old aluminum buick block or older? I remember seeing round bellhousings on the smaller Buicks, but I did not think it was the same size as the 401/425. Not trying to jinx anybody, but it does not sound right.
Title: Re: assistance with Trannys
Post by: wheelz on February 04, 2015, 10:28:10 PM
Ok guys... the JEEP this local man has, sports a Buick 350.  It has an adapter plate so the ST300 tranny bolts up to the 350. And then the Dana transfer case bolts up to the tail of the ST300.  He is removing ALL ST300 related parts to install a 700R4 tranny. 

Hope this clears things up a bit...

Wheelz, Tampa Bay
Title: Re: assistance with Trannys
Post by: schlepcar on February 04, 2015, 10:38:04 PM
 I guess that was my issue..I think if the jeep originally had a small round bellhousing it may have been the wrong type of bellhousing. The 215 used a round one, but the starter was on the passenger side vs. driver side on the GS motor. I guess that would be the easiest way to know. I thought it would be a little too lucky for a jeep to have the 65-6 trans,and it is easy to mistake the two bcause they look the same at a quick glance.
Title: Re: assistance with Trannys
Post by: WkillGS on February 05, 2015, 12:09:07 AM
I thought it would be a little too lucky for a jeep to have the 65-6 trans,and it is easy to mistake the two bcause they look the same at a quick glance.

I've heard Jeep did use the Nailhead case ST400/TH400/whatever400 behind some of the Jeeps in the 1960's-70's.
The Nailhead's trans 'bell' is shorter than other applications, so it was well suited to using an adapter to fit other engines.
I have some notes copied from the HAMB board that states the Buick trans was used on Jeep Wagoneers and pickups from 65-72. The Nailhead trans was also rumored to have been used in some Jaguar and Rolls Royce!
This applies to the 3 speed '400' trans only. I don't know if the 2 speed '300' trans was ever used in non-Buicks.

And Wheelz, there is even mention the Buick 350 engine (when installed in a Jeep) did use an adapter plate to mate to the Nailhead-style '400' trans!.... I don't know why they didn't just use a BOP TH400 trans, it may have been a licensing thing.
Just verify it's a 2 speed '300' trans with the correct output shaft (count the splines).
Good luck with the purchase, hope it works for you.

BTW, does that (Jeep) trans have the switch pitch converter???
Title: Re: assistance with Trannys
Post by: wheelz on February 05, 2015, 12:29:26 AM
Walt... The fello tells me I will be getting everything related to the ST300 tranny...  I will know more when he calls me to pick it all up in a week or two.   :thumbsup:

Wheelz, Tampa Bay

Title: Re: assistance with Trannys
Post by: schlepcar on February 05, 2015, 10:22:22 AM
 I don't think anything would surprise me in an AMC. I have seen Chrysler, GM, Ford, and others on old jeeps right from the factory. I think delco supplied them as often as GM on small parts and a lot of them had GM-Saginaw steering parts. Good luck, if it looks legit,let us know so we can keep our eyes open. I know a guy in Florida who had a lot of AMC pieces.
Title: Re: assistance with Trannys
Post by: wheelz on February 12, 2015, 09:28:38 PM
welll sheeeoooot.  Darrell, sent me pix of the st300 tranny removed from his Jeep.  Unfortunately, it IS the 300ci (BOP) tranny and NOT the 65 NAILHEAD Tranny we all thought it was...:crybaby2:
SO I am back to SQUARE ONE.  :BangHead:

I need a st300 tranny for a 65-66 GS 401...  ANY usable condition.

Whatycha got?


Wheelz, Tampa Bay
Title: Re: assistance with Trannys
Post by: schlepcar on February 13, 2015, 08:42:27 PM
We ...ALL.......thought it was? I really didn't mean to jinx ya,but it really didn't sound right unless the jeep had a 401/425. Does anybody have one that is closer to you?
Title: Re: assistance with Trannys
Post by: wheelz on February 14, 2015, 11:00:37 AM
Jeeze, sorry for the funcusion.  "we ALL" was meant as He and I...   only because Darrell 'mentioned' the 350 Buick motor had a trans adapter to a st300...  when in fact it DID indeed have an adapter, but it was for the 4x4 transfer case and NOT a late model BOP to Nailhead bell housing adapter...    :nono:

OK. .  Can we move on now?

I am still on the hunt.

Wheelz, Tampa Bay


Title: Re: assistance with Trannys
Post by: Loren At 65GS on February 14, 2015, 04:08:22 PM
Jeeze, sorry for the funcusion.  "we ALL" was meant as He and I...   only because Darrell 'mentioned' the 350 Buick motor had a trans adapter to a st300...  when in fact it DID indeed have an adapter, but it was for the 4x4 transfer case and NOT a late model BOP to Nailhead bell housing adapter...    :nono:

OK. .  Can we move on now?

I am still on the hunt.

Wheelz, Tampa Bay


Best of luck with the hunt Wheelz.
Since it appeared you had it local, the one I have got adopted.
 

 Loren
Title: Re: assistance with Trannys
Post by: schlepcar on February 15, 2015, 01:55:21 PM
If Loren has sold his, I would probably sell mine cheap to a fellow American car owner. It is out of an 80K car with no issues and very clean fluid. I would not be afraid to put in a new seal and filter kit and use it as is. Dan
Title: Re: assistance with Trannys
Post by: wheelz on February 15, 2015, 02:33:56 PM
AT this point I am eager to investigate all options now Dan.  Thank You for trying to help me out. Please email me your contact number and best time to call: PenWheelz@@ij.net

Again, THANK YOU.

Wheelz, Tampa Bay
Title: Re: assistance with Trannys
Post by: marxjunk on March 01, 2015, 10:43:49 AM
gs has q diff converter too..its a higher stall than most..but the V6 with an ST300..

we always shoved v-6 converters in there to get an even higher stall..i must have thrown away 10 GS specific converters way back in the 80s

i think it has a white paint mark on it..or is it orange? too many years
Title: Re: assistance with Trannys
Post by: gs spoken here on March 01, 2015, 04:49:05 PM
300 trans iD sheet from 1966 chassis manual