FireballV8 Posted October 21, 2019 Share Posted October 21, 2019 Hello I was at a car show yesterday and met a man that has 4 small series Buick manual transmissions. These seem to be mid fifties or earlier. Is there much interest in the small series ones? What might they be worth? Thanks Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avgwarhawk Posted October 21, 2019 Share Posted October 21, 2019 Steve, What years did he have? I have a 54 Special with 3 speed manual. Always good to have one on hand. Worth? All depends on condition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FireballV8 Posted October 21, 2019 Author Share Posted October 21, 2019 Hi Chris He thinks they are mid fifties, I just remember how to differentiate the large series and small series. Do you know how to tell the years? I have a 55 Special sedan with the stick, and no spare transmission. So you think it may be a good idea to get a spare? Thanks Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avgwarhawk Posted October 21, 2019 Share Posted October 21, 2019 (edited) Small series have 5 bolts on the top cover. 6 bolts on the top cover for the larger series. I do not know how to determine what years had what transmissions. However, the 54-55 years do interchange. I could look at the case numbers on my 55 manual to compare with yours. Yes, having one on hand is a good idea. The smaller series are a bit fragile. I have my original 54 manual that I switched out to refresh and replace a broken synchro. In the meantime, I was able to source a 55 manual from Lamar(Mr. Earl) and install in the Buick while working on the original trans. I ran that manual for a while and re-installed the original now repaired manual. I plan on refreshing the 55 manual and having it on standby. The 55 manual case numbers: tail housing 1162938-3. Body 1312397-7 Edited October 21, 2019 by avgwarhawk (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1939_Buick Posted October 22, 2019 Share Posted October 22, 2019 A photo is worth a 1000 words. 1939 was the first year of column change. 1939 is 1 year only design. 1940 to 1953? the same or close. May have change after that Some internal parts fit a wide range of years. Other internal parts 1 or 2 years only. A good parts book helps identify. Casting number is generally not the same as GM Buick part number, but some times it is the same Well worth getting a spare transmission 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted October 22, 2019 Share Posted October 22, 2019 And just where are these living? Interested if one will fit a 1950 Special and is in GOOD condition. Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avgwarhawk Posted October 22, 2019 Share Posted October 22, 2019 21 hours ago, FireballV8 said: Hi Chris He thinks they are mid fifties, I just remember how to differentiate the large series and small series. Do you know how to tell the years? I have a 55 Special sedan with the stick, and no spare transmission. So you think it may be a good idea to get a spare? Thanks Steve Steve, Let us know if you can obtain pictures and any info on these manuals. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FireballV8 Posted October 22, 2019 Author Share Posted October 22, 2019 I'll call him today and get some numbers, not sure how we can tell if they are in good shape or not. Ben, they are in southern California, but they are small enough that I think they can be shipped. Thanks 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avgwarhawk Posted October 22, 2019 Share Posted October 22, 2019 Just now, FireballV8 said: 'll call him today and get some numbers, not sure how we can tell if they are in good shape or not. Ben, they are in southern California, but they are small enough that I think they can be shipped. Thanks Pictures if they are available will be helpful. These can be shipped. Lamar packaged and shipped the manual he sold me. Heavy though. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FireballV8 Posted October 24, 2019 Author Share Posted October 24, 2019 Hi Chris & Ben Here are the number off of the transmissions: The small ones are 1312397-7, 1312397-5, 1312397-4, 1312397-3. The big one is 1317854-2. I guess the first small one is a 1955. I'll check my books as well and see what I can find. Thank You Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avgwarhawk Posted October 24, 2019 Share Posted October 24, 2019 (edited) 12 hours ago, FireballV8 said: Hi Chris & Ben Here are the number off of the transmissions: The small ones are 1312397-7, 1312397-5, 1312397-4, 1312397-3. The big one is 1317854-2. I guess the first small one is a 1955. I'll check my books as well and see what I can find. Thank You Steve Number for the body does match my number on my 55 manual. Tail numbers? I wonder if the -7, -5, -4, -3 and -2 indicate year. To drive home the idea of having a spare, I started to put my feelers out for the cluster gear, NOS or used. I do not need one but for interest I looked. One on hand would be nice. I have not been successful. Having a spare manual ready to go while repairing the other keeps me on the road instead of months on the sidelines looking for parts. Even if I don't ever need to use it and the Buick is sold on down the road, an extra manual is a good point of sale item. At least for me it is a positive if I was looking to make the purchase. Edited October 24, 2019 by avgwarhawk (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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