Lets talk push button transmissions

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Johnny Dart

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I need another car like I need a hole in the head,but there is a little 64 Valiant peeking my interest.
It has a /6 push button trans. I have zero experience with the a push button car. I would be pulling the slant for a SB. I'm cool with a 904 trans.
What are the necessary trans/linkages to do this V8 swap, keeping the push button set up ?
 
I need another car like I need a hole in the head,but there is a little 64 Valiant peeking my interest.
It has a /6 push button trans. I have zero experience with the a push button car. I would be pulling the slant for a SB. I'm cool with a 904 trans.
What are the necessary trans/linkages to do this V8 swap, keeping the push button set up ?
you will have to have a pushbutton small block trans, either the 727 or the 904. you'd also need longer cables as the slant 6 push button cables are about 4 inches too short. There is no converting a non pushbutton trans to a push button trans as the cases and internals are entirely different. Good news is, you can find small block push buttons all day long for less than 200 bucks. Cables will be an issue. Only one place is reproducing them and the reputation isn't great. Means you'll have to source small block cables, expect to pay 100-200 PER cable, there's 3 cables unique to pushbuttons. The parking cable, shifter cable and speedocable. Used cables are likely cracked and will need resealed to prevent leakage of ATF.

I kind of have a weird thing for push buttons ever since I brought my 64 polara home. so if you have any more questions, hit me up.

edit, one other thing, the cables are also unique between dodge and plymouth. length is the difference even on same body platforms.
 
Well there you go. Great write up.
Sounds like it ain't worth the hassle.
Any kick down linkage necessary
for the push button ?
 
Well there you go. Great write up.
Sounds like it ain't worth the hassle.
Any kick down linkage necessary
for the push button ?
yep, there is. but that's easily found and cheap. If you want to keep the push button, its not really a hassle. Most think it is, so they just sell the parts dirt cheap. Cables are the one exception. Oh that and the pushbuttons do have a different spline on the input shaft than 66 and newer 727s/904s so converter selection is limited unless custom built.
 
That's funny cuz l've had a 63 sb push button 727 on craigslist for three months and nary a call. My 62 Dart has a push button and l'm deinitely keeping it. But if l were you l would find a sb 904 push button and make life easy for myself.
 
That's funny cuz l've had a 63 sb push button 727 on craigslist for three months and nary a call. My 62 Dart has a push button and l'm deinitely keeping it. But if l were you l would find a sb 904 push button and make life easy for myself.
Where are you located? I might be interested...
 
I need another car like I need a hole in the head,but there is a little 64 Valiant peeking my interest.
It has a /6 push button trans. I have zero experience with the a push button car. I would be pulling the slant for a SB. I'm cool with a 904 trans.
What are the necessary trans/linkages to do this V8 swap, keeping the push button set up ?
Cudas post reminded me of something, watch what year push button you get. They did change the valve body and other internals as well as the shift pattern in earlier years. This different shifter and cables. I'd suggest staying 63-64 model years to be safe.
 
The cable shift transmission valve bodies are different for console vs pushbuton (or column lever in 65) cars. One has an extra detent for park.

Push button valve bodies leave the valve body in neutral when in park, a separate cable applies the park pall. Column and console cars put the valve body in park as well as setting the park pall.

You can use a console / column shift valve body in a push button car by setting the linkage as you would for a pushbutton, but you cant use a push button valve body with a console or column (65) shifter.
 
I'm in sunny SoCal. My 65 barracuda has floor shift automatic; does that mean l can only use a 65 trans?
That depends. All 727s in 65 were a one year only cable shift slip yoke. I believe, but could be wrong, that A body 904s in 65 were still ball and trunnion flange output. If you currently have a flange output 904 you should be able to use an earlier transmission provided it has the right valve body. Just re use your existing valve body if there is an issue.
 
I bought it with no motor or trans or driveshaft. I saw only one cable hanging down and was wondering. But a 904 will be just fine for the car.
 
I'm in sunny SoCal. My 65 barracuda has floor shift automatic; does that mean l can only use a 65 trans?
65 went to cable shift

That depends. All 727s in 65 were a one year only cable shift slip yoke. I believe, but could be wrong, that A body 904s in 65 were still ball and trunnion flange output. If you currently have a flange output 904 you should be able to use an earlier transmission provided it has the right valve body. Just re use your existing valve body if there is an issue.
there were some ball and trunion 65 cable shifted 727s as well, mostly early model years. I've got one sitting in the shop actually. But it's from a B body. That said, they were one year only as you said. The buggiest thing to watch for on the 65s, is while most went to floor shift, there were some that were still column shift, the cable lengths are different.
 
If you are swapping to a V8 anyway, then why not just run a modern slip-yoke 904 with a floor shift. You could even run a 67 up console with bucketseats. Or an aftermarket mini with a cable and a benchseat.I don't see a problem.
And you'll probably swap the 7.25 out before long anyway, so now you're all set.
Course now the 9" drums are gonna be scary.
And likewise the skinny T-bars and slanty springs.
Of course the 13" tires are gonna have to go.
And then the shocks are gonna show their lack of control.
And the rusted up internally fuel lines are gonna choke the carb.
And then the headlights, which were too dim when born are really gonna start bugging you.
And,And,And
A hole in the head will be nothing compared to the hole developing in your wallet..............
Aw but the end result will be sooo worth it..... Hyup I keep telling myself that too,lol.
 
If you are swapping to a V8 anyway, then why not just run a modern slip-yoke 904 with a floor shift. You could even run a 67 up console with bucketseats. Or an aftermarket mini with a cable and a benchseat.I don't see a problem.
And you'll probably swap the 7.25 out before long anyway, so now you're all set.
Course now the 9" drums are gonna be scary.
And likewise the skinny T-bars and slanty springs.
Of course the 13" tires are gonna have to go.
And then the shocks are gonna show their lack of control.
And the rusted up internally fuel lines are gonna choke the carb.
And then the headlights, which were too dim when born are really gonna start bugging you.
And,And,And
A hole in the head will be nothing compared to the hole developing in your wallet..............
Aw but the end result will be sooo worth it..... Hyup I keep telling myself that too,lol.
It could be worse. We could be spending the money on stupid stuff like drugs, diseased hookers, video games(100 + bucks for a damn game?!?!?!) etc
 
You got that right; gaming almost ruined my kid. He left that other stuff alone. But he did find beer attractive for a few years; kindof like his old man.
He's 34 now and back on track. A fine family man.
 
you will have to have a pushbutton small block trans, either the 727 or the 904. you'd also need longer cables as the slant 6 push button cables are about 4 inches too short. There is no converting a non pushbutton trans to a push button trans as the cases and internals are entirely different. Good news is, you can find small block push buttons all day long for less than 200 bucks. Cables will be an issue. Only one place is reproducing them and the reputation isn't great. Means you'll have to source small block cables, expect to pay 100-200 PER cable, there's 3 cables unique to pushbuttons. The parking cable, shifter cable and speedocable. Used cables are likely cracked and will need resealed to prevent leakage of ATF.

I kind of have a weird thing for push buttons ever since I brought my 64 polara home. so if you have any more questions, hit me up.

edit, one other thing, the cables are also unique between dodge and plymouth. length is the difference even on same body platforms.
Nice posting, I have had speedometer cable leaking problems with my 64 Dart, pushbutton 904. What product do you recommend to seal the cable to stop the leaking?
 
Nice posting, I have had speedometer cable leaking problems with my 64 Dart, pushbutton 904. What product do you recommend to seal the cable to stop the leaking?
The best method found to far is a thick, heat shrink tubing with a glue inside. Lowes sells it. I’ll find ya the part number shortly
 
Good news is, you can find small block push buttons all day long for less than 200 bucks.

Really? Can you hook me up with some of these? I'm looking for two of them for V8 conversions for my pushbutton 63 and 64 wagons. I've looked for a while; I see one appear maybe every year, the only one I currently know of is a 12 hour drive and the owner won't ship. If you know any options for a guy in the PNW, please hook me up.

Best option I have going so far is a conversion from a poly 318 car but it's a really long tailshaft.
 
Really? Can you hook me up with some of these? I'm looking for two of them for V8 conversions for my pushbutton 63 and 64 wagons. I've looked for a while; I see one appear maybe every year, the only one I currently know of is a 12 hour drive and the owner won't ship. If you know any options for a guy in the PNW, please hook me up.

Best option I have going so far is a conversion from a poly 318 car but it's a really long tailshaft.
Just gotta watch. Right now, nothing big is really moving much with the virus.

The 1962-1965 727 pushbuttons have all the same length and size, regardless of platform or engine. The 904s, another story
 
The best way to go with this for me would be get a push button delete plate, then a later 68 and up small block and transmisson and hook it up with the 65 a body floor shifter. You get rid of the ball and trunion, can still use your steering column, you can also use the later style 67 and up kick down set up too.
 
The best way to go with this for me would be get a push button delete plate, then a later 68 and up small block and transmisson and hook it up with the 65 a body floor shifter. You get rid of the ball and trunion, can still use your steering column, you can also use the later style 67 and up kick down set up too.
Is the 65 A body floor shift not cable operated and requiring a 65 or earlier cable shift transmission?
 
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