I would like to talk with anyone who knows if a early power glide can be mated with a stock 31 engine. I have lost the use of my right arm and have limited use of my right leg. I had planned to sell my 31,but at the Middlewest Meet,several people suggested that I explore the possibility of a conversion.I know it is possible to put in a later 6 complete drivetrain, but I had hoped to keep as much of the stock 31 look as possible. Mel Goddard

Mel, I have heard of a conversion to a 216 being successful, You robably won't be needing full power very often. However a conversion to a 31 engine is somewhat different. Since a powerglide would make your car a modified, I would consider going with a 53 or 54 Powerglide conversion. I don't know of any conversions to a Hydramatic, but That could be another idea.
What effect has this loss of usage caused with your state's driver's licensing conditions? That may have something to do with how your 31 could be modified for legal driving.

We had a touring member of our Region that had serious health problems that kept him from driving his 33 master and the last tour he made he recruited his grandson to do the driving with a substantial amount of directions and corrections from Grandpa and Gramdma.

MrMack, Thank you for your reply. I have a restriction on my license that I use a left foot accelerator .I have a portable device that I move from one vechile to another. I accelerate and brake w/ my left foot. I want to modify the 31 as little as possible to accomodate my condition.

I would doubt very much if a 1931 engine could pull a Power Glide transmission. Just the power it takes to churn the converter would soak up 15 or 20 HP. Then there is the cooling problem. The PG load on the engine will cause a lot more heat and if the trans. fluid cooler is hooked up more heat will be ransfered to the cooling system Then there is the brake issue. The PG has very little engine braking in the 5 to 40 MPH range and a lot of load would be put on the brakes. Would not be a direct "bolt-up" to a '31 engine nor a direct hook-up to the torque tube. I would not even consider attempting the project unless the engine thru to the rear axles are up dated.
It would be more possible in a 1937 and up but in a 1931????
As a person with a "leg problem" I know how you feel but I am fortunate that my problem is with the left leg but as I gain in years I prefer driving my PG cars.

I'm with Gene.....the whole drive train (and radiator) would have to be changed to install a Power Glide. Gene is correct about not considering the project at all because you would run into way more problems than it would be worth.

here is somthing i saw on hemmings that mite help.
IS your 37-53 Chevy cryin' the babbitt pounder 216 blues? Slip a full pressure, 54-62 235 engine in like it was born there! Free 4-page how-to from Patrick's; home of 6-cyl rebuild and hop-up parts. Box 10648, Casa Grande, AZ 85230, PH: 520-836-1117.

Mel,
Despite your desire to keep your '31 as original as possible trying to convert to any automatic transmission is not practicle. Installing a modern drivetrain from a S-10 pickup or similar vehicle is probably your best option. If you keep the original engine/transmission and make bolt in mounts for the modern stuff, it can be returned to original when needed or wanted.

Many of us will face the same situation in the future.

Chip

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for there comments and sugestions. I am back to my original idea...... looking for a powerglide that is already attached to a newer vehicle. I will continue to enjoy the 29-32 forum . Mel Goddard, Lincoln,Nebraska