OK. I've got a '62, 225 cid with the holley 1bbl. I am getting ready to start going through the engine but before I do I want some things cleared up. I saw the charts about all the different variations of the /6 and I know I want to avoid the later ones with the cast crank and narrow rod bearings but what other factors should I consider? There is something about the bolt pattern on the flywheel but I don't entirely understand what it's about. Currently it's mated to a 3spd manual tranny but I want to switch it to an automatic. Is it feasible and desirable to build the existing motor and have hardened valve seats installed in the head or should I look for a later mill, or maybe just a head from an unleaded version? Are there any issues with putting a late 60s 904 on that block and installing a column shift steering column from a 65+ A-Body? Will that even work? I am aware that I will have to get a different drive shaft too, but what else do I need to be aware of?

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David Kight
'62 Valiant Signet, White
'98 Dodge Dakota
'06 Jeep Liberty

Growing older is unavoidable but growing up is strictly optional.

you ought to just sell /trade your 62 to me !! it would go well with my 62 4door

Anyhow-- you questions run a large spectrum of problems if you don't like your push button's you will either have to customize the dash /interior area or adapt the p/b to whatever you want to do-- good luck -- how about some pics?

I don't mind the pushbuttons, except it doesn't have any... it's a 3speed manual now and I want to put in a custom instrument panel with all new guages... there won't be room for the pushbuttons. I will also be putting in a Vintage Air heater/AC/Defroster so I will lose the pushbutton heater controls too
Thanks for the offer to buy, but I spent 2 years looking for a hardtop so I think I'll hang on to it.
I'll be glad to post some pics but how?

Here's a link to some. The white one isn't mine, it looks like my first one though.
http://groups.msn.com/EarlyMoparA-BodyF ... ignet.msnw

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David Kight
'62 Valiant Signet, White
'98 Dodge Dakota
'06 Jeep Liberty

Growing older is unavoidable but growing up is strictly optional.

The easy way to swap to an automatic would be to use a 65 904 trans along with it's cable operated steering column shifter or the cable floor shifter. The floor shifter would require welding to install, The stering column shifter would bolt in. The drive shaft would swap over without mods.
I have the conversion parts if needed.

That's the kind of info I was looking for, thanks! What conversion parts are needed besides the steering column and shifter cable? I know there is also some kickdown linkage as well... is that also a cable? I also will need a flexplate which I suppose I can get with the tranny and converter from the salvage yard.

That takes care of the tranny, now what about the motor? I'm pretty sure the block is good but I want to update to a head with hardened valve seats; should I have this one rebuilt or should I look for a later model head?

_________________
David Kight
'62 Valiant Signet, White
'98 Dodge Dakota
'06 Jeep Liberty

Growing older is unavoidable but growing up is strictly optional.

The kickdown mount to the throttle rod so you'd need a throttle rod from an auto car with all the other rods (no cables) and the pivot that bolts to the firewall. Of course you'll need a trans cooler and lines. Right now I wish I had my valiant outside so I could refresh myself on how it's set up.

The head might hold up for daily driving it's really a case by case issue. There was a thread about 3 weeks ago about using octane booster,lead additive and whether or not it was needed for unhardened head.

I wandered through the vast archives and found the thread if I knew how to link it I would but slantedbrain started it on sep 8.[/url]