Reproduction Parts for 1916-1964 Chevrolet Passenger Cars & 1918-1987 Chevrolet & GMC Trucks


Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 14
Grease Monkey
OP Offline
Grease Monkey
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 14
Hello,

I am doing a ground-up rebuild on a '46 Fleetline Aerosedan. I bought this car at an estate auction. It had been sitting outside for many years, and did not have an engine when I got it. It did have the stock 3 speed transmission, which I have rebuilt and installed to a freshly rebuilt '53 Powerglide 235.

What I'm needing help with is the shift mechanism / linkage. It had vacuum shift and I have (I believe) all of the components, but I'm somewhat puzzled about how they all go together. Note that the linkage/ shift rods were not completely hooked up when I picked up the car. Anyway, I'm hoping somebody can help with a diagram, photos, or video showing exactly how the linkage rods connect to the end of the shifting rod (? the rod that sits on top of the steering column). In my initial efforts to piece this back together and make sure everything shifts right (before I put the body back on) I am finding that the smaller linkage rod is bumping into the brake pedal shaft.

I think a couple of good pictures would really get me set straight here! Thanks very much!

Tyler

Last edited by tylerwatts53; 03/22/22 07:24 PM.
Filling Station - Chevrolet & GMC Reproduction Parts


Filling Station


Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,021
Likes: 99
ChatMaster - 4,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 4,000
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,021
Likes: 99
While I cannot offer any direct guidance related to your ‘46, here are a few ideas to consider.

If you are a VCCA ember you can directly contact the Technical Advisor for your era vehicle. You can also locate other members who have similar vehicles. Many of them are very willing to help but they do not use Chat.

Review the shop manual as well as the Illustrations in the Master Parts List. They often will have information to help you determine the proper location and orientation of the parts.

Remember that orientation is often critical. For example, what happens if you flip a rod end for end or attach it to the other side of the arms or pivot points?

Look on the internet for pictures of similar cars. I do a search for similar cars that are for sale. Depending upon the listing there might be pictures that show the details you need.

I often tell people that Bring A Trailer is the best photographic library available. A listing there often has 100+ pictures of a vehicle showing lots of details. The limitation is that there are not many of these older classic Chevy’s sold through that auction site.


Rusty

VCCA #44680
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,740
Likes: 11
ChatMaster - 1,500
Offline
ChatMaster - 1,500
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,740
Likes: 11
I sent a few pic's to your email. Just some I have in a file folder. Hope they help.


Russell #38868
'48 4 door Fleetline
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 14
Grease Monkey
OP Offline
Grease Monkey
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 14
Thanks Russell! Yes, those were indeed helpful. I will compare them to mine next time I'm in the shop. I also have a conversion kit (to eliminate vacuum shift) on the way from COT40s, so I think that hardware will help with my brake pedal interference problems. I might look into rebuilding the vacuum shift at some point, but my priority now is to make sure the shift mechanism is working right BEFORE I put the body back on--much easier to see and adjust everything with no body in the way!

Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 6,689
Likes: 21
ChatMaster - 6,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 6,000
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 6,689
Likes: 21
Tyler,

The vacuum shift makes shifting easy and is right for the car.

The secret to it working properly lies in whether it is adjusted correctly.

CofTF and/or FS have a tool for this purpose. When trying to adjust the vacuum in and out this tool will make its just right and make your car shift like a dream. The tool looks like a washer but is milled to such an exact specification that no other washer would do the trick.

As to the hookup of the shifter unit, it would be difficult to assemble it in improper order. dance

I encourage you to forget the elimination lever. That, of course, is your call but for my two cents nothing more than shortsighted/small thinking. And, I mean that in a most respectful way. With the vacuum working properly you will understand. Good luck with it.

Best,

Charlie computer

Last edited by 41specialdeluxe; 03/23/22 04:29 PM.
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 14
Grease Monkey
OP Offline
Grease Monkey
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 14
Charlie,

Your points are well taken. I have heard from many others that a functioning vacuum shift is quite desirable. I do have the vacuum shift components, but as I mentioned in the OP, this car had been sitting outside for possibly decades, and hence everything not either enclosed or caked in greasy dirt was heavily rusted or seized. So I'd love to rebuild the vacuum unit down the road. I didn't see any parts for rebuilding the vacuum canister at COT40s--might you know if and where a rebuild kit is available? Thanks!

Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 6,689
Likes: 21
ChatMaster - 6,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 6,000
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 6,689
Likes: 21
Tyler,

Chevy b has a vacuum unit listed in the "For Sale" forum here on Chat. Scroll on down the list of forums.

He wants 50 bucks for it and that is a right good price I would think.

Also, I have some parts if you need a piece or too.

It is important to get the tool I mentioned for adjusting the in and out piston.

Best,

Charliecomputer

BTW: There is an old saying that goes, "If you put up with something you abhor long enough, you will learn to like it." Or words to that effect. It's similar to using the elimination arm instead of the vacuum unit. Chances are that you will never get the vacuum unit replaced because you will get used to it and, not knowing what you're missing, never get around to going back original. dance

Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 31
Likes: 1
Shade Tree Mechanic
Offline
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 31
Likes: 1
I purchased and installed a rebuild kit, from COT40s, for my vacuum shift last winter. Great kit and went together without problems. The hardest part was getting the rubber boot installed. Works like a champ!

Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 201
Likes: 2
Backyard Mechanic
Offline
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 201
Likes: 2
My ‘46 was purchased as a field car and had been converted to vacuum-less in its first life. I can attest to the fact that shifting gears is not pleasant without. First and reverse are difficult to find. I’m not likely to replace it and find the correct components though. Grin and bear it!


Link Copied to Clipboard
Support The VCCA!

Enjoy the forum? Become a VCCA member! The World's Best Chevrolet and GMC Club!


Member Photos
1964 Chevrolet Impala SS
1964 Chevrolet Impala SS
by DreamChevy, February 17
My 1933 Chevy 2 Dr. Sedan
My 1933 Chevy 2 Dr. Sedan
by 1939Chevy1, November 24
Back on the road 79 years later
2 1927 Chevrolet Trucks
2 1927 Chevrolet Trucks
by 1927TRUCKS, June 7
Who's Online Now
1 members (m006840), 76 guests, and 9 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Newest Members
NeilA, Jayhicks, Tomvanhouten, Dads29Chevy, Tractorman
18,308 Registered Users
Today's Birthdays
aristech, RalphL, tonysk
Forum Statistics
Forums58
Topics59,071
Posts429,055
Members18,308
Most Online1,133
Jan 22nd, 2020
 

Notice: Any comments posted herein do not necessarily reflect the official position of the VCCA.

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5