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My father installed the pre-1955 Packard-built transmissions in a few 1955 and 1956 Packards and Clippers.

In addition to securing a bell housing and flywheel a driveshaft will need to be modified. The tricky problem was the relay levers used in the shift linkage. It will not be a problem if you go with a floor shifter.

He had to do some modification to the rear transmission mount to fit the older style units, but it was a minor one.

As I recall, back in the day, all the parts for the manual transmission 55-56 cars were available new from a supplier which bought the surplus parts from Studebaker-Packard. He just placed his order and all the parts and bits were delivered. These parts are hard to find today; however transmissions are easier to locate.

His conversions worked well, used the column shifter, and were trouble free.

It would be much more easy to install one of the 55-56 transmissions. I believe they were the ones that the larger Fords and Mercurys used. Or, go for a 4-speed.

(o[]o)