Would a '65 Chevy transmission have had the speedo cable going in on the driver's side like this one does? I know Pontiacs were like that and I'm not sure with Buick and Olds trannys.

Was wondering that too. No knowledge of that.

Yes, they used the 429 tail until late in the model year, February of '65. Not sure about the Olds and Buicks either.

I tore this trans down today. Wasn't a whole lot I'd want to reuse and the tail was broken in a few areas. The case however remains undamaged. I'm going to pair it up with an equally rare and undamaged unit from '65, a 983 bell. It is covered in dust, not grease, and will clean up great. Has a good pivot ball and some residual glue from the fork boot. If you are interested, I can take detailed pics upon request. $950