VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 1941 powershaft shortened

I need to cut and shorten a 1941 powershaft, that means the shaft that drives the differential and the housing covering it. I am trying to do this to adapt the shaft and differential to a 1932 Cabriolet. I know that the shaft is supported by bearings on both ends and most likely the cut will be done at the middle of the shaft. After cutting a 12 inch section I plan to solder back the shaft and housing. Shaft will be turned to assure it will be straight and re-balanced. I am also considering some type of reinforcement at the cut.
Has anyone had done this type of job? Any reccomendations or comments on how to better proceed?
Will appreciate any response.

Hello Gerlealx,

Will try to answer your questions first, than ask you a bunch of questions.

The torque tube can be cut along with the driveshaft itself. After cutting them and beveling the cuts, using a suitable jig to hold them straight, than you can arc weld them back together. You cannot solder them together!! You would need no reinforcement at the cut as the weld, if applied correctly, using the correct heat, will be stronger than the metal it welds together, of course using the proper welding rod or wire if using a wire feeder welder.

Now, just my humble opinion here, but why would you consider doing this as you are going to have more problems and time and money spent than repairing the original 32 unit if you have it and it needs repairing?? Many things to consider here as to the universal joint difference between the 32 and the 41 along with the brake setup, the difference in the universal joint bell, the difference in torque tube diameter, and the list goes on and on and on.

Perhaps a little more story here as to why you want to do this type of arrangement. There are many people here on Chat that are more knowledgeable than I and I am sure they will also weigh in here with their opinions and ideas.

Best to you.

Jim.

A 1941 torque tube assembly has a driveshaft fitted in it which is a "TYPE C" which means it solid at the front , and then hollow at the back with a splined coupling fitted into the rear of the tube. It may be possible to remove the coupling at the rear of the tube and cut the rear of the tube and redrill for the pin to connect the coupling. The outer tube could be cut and "re-welded" to give you the desired length. Or you may be able to remove the rivets holding the tube into the cast iron third member part, cut the tube and have a machine shop turn down the diameter in a lathe to fit back into the cast iron.

The universal joint "might" be able to be made up from two different universal joints , one from part from a 1932 , and the rear part from a 1941 to suit the splines on the 1941 propeller shaft.

Morning Jack,

Got word via PM that he purchased the 32 sans the entire drive train and wants to install the 41 drive line. Makes more sense to me now about cutting the drive shaft and torque tube the 12" he is talking about.

BTW, my wife is flying into your fair city the 8th of February and from there going to Melbourne. Any recommendations as to what else she should visit while there!! Appreciate any comments from you and Tony as to destinations.

Thanks

Jim.

Jim , PM sent.