VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1955-1957 '55 overdrive trans.

Would anyone happen to know if the driveshaft for a standard 3 speed trans on a '55 Chev is the same as an overdrive trans?It would make life easier if it was.
I'll also stick an ad in 'parts wanted' for the electrical parts and pieces for the overdrive.
Thanks.

There was only one drive shaft for 1955-1957 models. It covered automatics, sticks and over drive cars.
There is a place that sells the various eletric O.D. parts.

Thanks Gene,that's good to know about the driveshaft.I've done a few online searches for parts and have seen the odd one on eBay.As far as I can tell,they're not reproduced.I'll give parts wanted a shot.

Barney,

I'm converting my '55 with 235 & 3-speed to an O.D. trans. The one that I found still needed the harness, kickdown switch, O.D. relay, and the T-handle cable for O.D. lockout.

Original kickdown switches are really hard to find. I bought one on eBay for a Studebaker, which appears to be electrically identical to the original (per the schematic), but uses screw terminals. The seller has another one posted: eBay link. The bracket for the kickdown switch has been impossible for me to find for a 235, so I'll make something to fit. I'm not worried about showing the car, and this won't be a glaring modification.

I got the O.D. wiring harness (for 235) from Danchuk (their P/N 1583).

mrnomad.com has new O.D. relays here: (Mr. Nomad link).

The O.D. lockout cable with the T-handle came from eastcoastchevy.com. You'll have to search their online catalog to find it. It's not a reproduction, just a functional replacement. The T-Handle does not have the word "OVERDRIVE" stamped across its face. It does, however, have "China" cast into its underside.

I hope this helps some. Not all perfect solutions, but should get the trans working. I can't wait to try mine out!

Good luck,

Joe