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1939 2 door Coupe engine/trans combo

Mi1939 Coupe

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Joined
May 25, 2025
Messages
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Location
Harrison, Michigan
Hello everyone. I'm new here so be kind, lol
I'm looking at doing a 1939 2 door coupe project.
I'd like to put a 318 in it, but need to know what Transmission
would work to have a 4 on the floor.

The frame is bare bones at this time.
Thanks for any help and suggestions.
Mi1939 Coupe
 
You will need a small block Chrysler bellhousing and a 833 23 spline 4-speed transmission. An 18 spline 4-speed would be overkill and more costly.
 
You will need a small block Chrysler bellhousing and a 833 23 spline 4-speed transmission. An 18 spline 4-speed would be overkill and more costly.
Thanks Mr. Hall. This is the information I need to know and learn, so that I can research the correct items.
Much appreciated.
Mi1939 Coupe
 
You will need a small block Chrysler bellhousing and a 833 23 spline 4-speed transmission. An 18 spline 4-speed would be overkill and more costly.
Jerry. Doing research, are all bellhousing created equal?.
Meaning I ran across one that says more than likely from a truck.
Do the bellhousing come with some type of number or markings to know the difference between what is needed for a car or a truck?.
Thanks
 
For your application, probably any small block bellhousing will work as long as it's for a 318, 340, or 360. You are going to have to fabricate, motor mounts, and the transmission mount anyway. If i were doing it, I would use a stock transmission mount and center member. Then fabricate the rest of the crossmember to accommodate your frame. Just my opinion. The same for the motor mounts and brackets and fabricate to your frame.
 
Hello everyone. I'm new here so be kind, lol
I'm looking at doing a 1939 2 door coupe project.
I'd like to put a 318 in it, but need to know what Transmission
would work to have a 4 on the floor.

The frame is bare bones at this time.
Thanks for any help and suggestions.
Mi1939 Coupe

This is just my 2 cents worth. You are saying the frame is bare right now. You really need to place the body shell back on the frame for
you need to find out where the motor will set,
being that the distributor has enough clearance at the firewall, so if for any reason you should need to pull it out of the motor.
You really need to modify everything, and put it all together..... then pull it apart for one final time for body work, primer, and paint. It makes for a better end result! I know these cars some, and have a 1938 Plymouth 5 window Coupe. I have had this car for 45 yrs.
I built it myself, with my father giving me good advice, ( I was 15 yrs old) but told me to build it yourself,
or you will never learn anything! Good luck with your build!
 
For your application, probably any small block bellhousing will work as long as it's for a 318, 340, or 360. You are going to have to fabricate, motor mounts, and the transmission mount anyway. If i were doing it, I would use a stock transmission mount and center member. Then fabricate the rest of the crossmember to accommodate your frame. Just my opinion. The same for the motor mounts and brackets and fabricate to your frame.
Thanks Jerry.
Much appreciated.
 
This is just my 2 cents worth. You are saying the frame is bare right now. You really need to place the body shell back on the frame for
you need to find out where the motor will set,
being that the distributor has enough clearance at the firewall, so if for any reason you should need to pull it out of the motor.
You really need to modify everything, and put it all together..... then pull it apart for one final time for body work, primer, and paint. It makes for a better end result! I know these cars some, and have a 1938 Plymouth 5 window Coupe. I have had this car for 45 yrs.
I built it myself, with my father giving me good advice, ( I was 15 yrs old) but told me to build it yourself,
or you will never learn anything! Good luck with your build!
Thanks Dodg33
 
Hello everyone. I'm new here so be kind, lol
I'm looking at doing a 1939 2 door coupe project.
I'd like to put a 318 in it, but need to know what Transmission
would work to have a 4 on the floor.

The frame is bare bones at this time.
Thanks for any help and suggestions.
Mi1939 Coupe
Ensure the narrow frame rails of the 39 can accommodate the 318.
 
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