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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 106
Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 106 |
When I bought my 1954 BelAir years ago it came equipped with a three speed manual transmission from a 1953 or earlier model. I had the trans rebuilt but before I was able to reinstall it I found a 1954 transmission and had it rebuilt and used it in the car.What is the difference between a 1954 3 speed manual and an earlier model?What year cars was the pre 1954 transmission used in and what is the transmission worth if I were to try to sell it at a swap meet? Thank you in advance for any answers.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,700 Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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The 1949-1954 transmissions are basically the same. Modifications were made in 1953 to solve the problem of jumping out of high gear, In mid 1953 some minor changes were made by using four lugs instead of two for engaugement of the gears to the syncronizing drum. Transmission cases mount was changed in 1952 so the 1952 or newer case would not bolt up to the 1949-1951 mount style.
Gene Schneider
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Joined: Jan 2002
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Gene, That mid 53 change also included a double set of rollers between the main drive gear and the main shaft.
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Joined: Jan 2002
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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ALL1953 transmissions had the double row of needle bearings between the main drive gear and main shaft. The shafts could be installed in the 1949-1952 transmissions to cure the jumping out of high gear at hiway speeds......
Gene Schneider
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I have three 3 speed transmissions from those eras. In addition to the internal changes one has the mount forward on the rear case and another has it on the very rear. The forward mounted one came out of my 51 and the rear mounted one came from a purchase of a 54 engine. Add to that I also have one that the rear case has both mounting areas. I am guessing the rear case for that one is a replacement part that replaces both the early and late back case. Wish I would have had that one before rebuilding both the previous two and deciding to use the later tranny due to the internal updates.
Steve D
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Joined: Jan 2002
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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The one having the both mounting holes coud be a 1949-1951 case with the bolt-on extension being replaced. in the later yeaars they made only the extension with the bolt holes for all applications. Would be more common for the extension to be replace due to bushing wear.
Gene Schneider
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Joined: Feb 2014
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Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
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What is a fair price to sell one for that is rebuilt?
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Joined: Sep 2009
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I would guess that owing to the cost of replacing the usual worn parts that a complete rebuilt one would run between five to seven hundred bucks. Depending on whether the rebuild was done by professionals or not and whether the rebuild is warranted or not. Hope this give you somewhat of a range for yours. Best, Charlie
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Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 79 Likes: 6
Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 79 Likes: 6 |
If you do not want to rebuild yourself, get a professional. It might cost a little bit more but it will be much better in the long run. I've just had a nightmare with a "backyard" mechanic telling me he knew what he was doing. Getting it done right the first time will save you time and money.
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