1954 Buick Century 322

[BuickBuddha]

Name is Bill Phillips, just acquired a 1954 Buick Century (former owner lost interest) project. Needs everything from the ground up. Limited rust issues. Former owner tried to stuff a 1958 Buick 364 and Dynaflow into the 54's engine compartment- 58 had a 127 inch wheelbase, 54 has a 122 inch WB. How do I say, "TORQUE TUBE ISSUE"?
So this is what I am faced with. Came across this site while searching for someone who had faced the same issue, and solved it simply. Still looking.
Glad to be aboard.

[buickrodder]

There are more differences going from 56 to 57 and later than you can imagine and the least is wheel base. Buick had several transmissions lengths too just going from small to large series in the 53-56 cars. The 57 engines was redesigned with smaller bell housing and flywheel, different manifolds and 4 bolt mounts and many, many other differences. I have more info in my website, the 57 rear can be converted to open drive and a st400 or other transmissions can be adapted to the 364, I have all that available .. or you can go out and find a 54 drive train if you want 100% stock. .. Russ

[telriv]

The problem is not all that involved. You can use the "Rear" part of the '54 trans. & swap to the '58 trans. It's all a bolt-in swap, but the both trans. have to come FULLY apart to be able to swap things. The MOST IMPORTANT part of ANY DynaFlow is the converter, so place close attention to clearances. In this case a "Chassis " service manual will be your BEST friend. As far as linkage goes the '58 will have a "Switch Pitch Converter" as the '54 DOES NOT so hopefully you have the linkage attached for this also. As far as mounts go. Just remove the rubber on the '58 mounts & bolt them to the engine. Use the three bolt '54 mounts, line things up & drill the 3 holes nec. into the '58 steel & bolt together. Engine oil pressure gauge, temp. gauge gas pedal linkage, is ALL bolt-in.


Tom T.