I figured out why the 3 speed column shift tranny from my 51 F1 parts truck (226 Flathead) would not mate to the bell housing from my 52 F1 truck (215 OHV) that I took the 4 on the floor out of. It's because the 52 transmissions had two oval ground out areas to accomodate the "Starter can" on the bell housing for the 215 engine. The transmissions pre 52 had only one oval ground out area ,as the starter landed in a different place on the flatheads. With a lttle grinding the bolt holes,and dowells should line up fine. It's a good day to be alive !

 

Good stuff, thanks for this info.