Dandy Dave Posted January 2, 2022 Share Posted January 2, 2022 (edited) So, I've been working at this 1936 Oldsmobile for a friend for quite some time. Getting close to getting the engine in. The shop that is doing the body work got a little ruff with it and broke the transmission top where the shifter and small parts fit. GGGgggrrrrrrrr. Brings out the tiger in me. Rough and ready cowboys. In the days of the old West they would have been hung at dawn by Judge Roy Bean. Project set back again. It is bad enough locating parts and restoring stuff for one of these 85 plus year old autos the first time. And now here I go again. I have contemplated welding it, or brazing it, and then re-machining it, but that will result in distorting the casting and it will never be as strong as the original casting. I'm sure many of you have been in similar circumstance's and feel my pain. I put a cry for HELP in the parts wanted section. That seems like the easiest route. Someone must have one on a shelf collecting dust somewhere. It fits 1932- 1936, 6 or 8 cylinder. Dandy Dave! Edited January 2, 2022 by Dandy Dave (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Shaw Posted January 2, 2022 Share Posted January 2, 2022 I suggest you increase your options by finding what other vehicles used that same transmission... Good Luck... 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8E45E Posted January 2, 2022 Share Posted January 2, 2022 Maybe they thought that was how it is done. Watch the body drop closely! 2 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandy Dave Posted January 2, 2022 Author Share Posted January 2, 2022 30 minutes ago, Mark Shaw said: I suggest you increase your options by finding what other vehicles used that same transmission... Good Luck... Looking around the web it looks like Buick and Pontiac around the same vintage also shared the same transmission top. Thanks for the heads up. Dandy Dave! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SC38dls Posted January 2, 2022 Share Posted January 2, 2022 (edited) Dave if someone has this book it might help? I don’t have one but a friend did. He’s passed so I can’t call him for you. I remember it had a lot of good info but I don’t know specifics on the transmission of course. “Chevy GM Parts Interchange Part Number Reference Guide Book Catalog 1929 - 1952 dave s Edited January 2, 2022 by SC38dls Spellings (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pmhowe Posted January 2, 2022 Share Posted January 2, 2022 I think you are on the right path: Getting a replacement will be your very best option. However, I would pursue a parallel path of looking into the state of the art of welding cast iron. I believe that the state of the art is such that your part could be successfully welded if you find the right expertise. At any rate, good luck, and condolences. That should never have happened. Phil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laughing Coyote Posted January 2, 2022 Share Posted January 2, 2022 I know it's a 1938, but maybe an option?? All you can do is ask if they want to sell the top plate if it's a match. https://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/pts/d/phoenix-pontiac-chassis-rat-rod-stuff/7425570364.html 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Akstraw Posted January 2, 2022 Share Posted January 2, 2022 Not sure what the underside looks like, but from the top it seems that your local fab shop could make a substitute from a steel plate and a short length of rectangular tubing. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFranklin Posted January 2, 2022 Share Posted January 2, 2022 Welding might work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_S_in_Penna Posted January 2, 2022 Share Posted January 2, 2022 (edited) THEY made the negligent mistake. You should not have to pay for it. They should have insurance. Let them machine a replacement, and it will be at least as good as the original. You can be nice but firm. Never accept excuses. A conscientious shop owner should be happy to take responsibility for his mistake if he's treated respectfully. And when the situation is handled tactfully, you can still remain friends. Edited January 2, 2022 by John_S_in_Penna (see edit history) 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Man Posted January 2, 2022 Share Posted January 2, 2022 (edited) I was going to suggest a machine shop also, not a bad part to fabricate, it will give you some time to find a replacement. Edited January 13, 2022 by Graham Man (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bhigdog Posted January 2, 2022 Share Posted January 2, 2022 Not a lot of strain on that part. I'm guessing stitching would work just fine and no chance of distortion. Likely about a $200 stitch job......Bob 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
46 woodie Posted January 2, 2022 Share Posted January 2, 2022 Find a competent TIG welder and have him weld it. I don't know why people make such a big deal when they hear "cast iron". Pre-heat, high quality nickel wire and allow the part to cool slowly. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bloo Posted January 2, 2022 Share Posted January 2, 2022 Pontiacs use a top like this from late-production 1935's through 1937. Also some but not all 1938s. Buick Special (40) is like this through 1938, and I'm not sure how far back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldford Posted January 2, 2022 Share Posted January 2, 2022 Dave, talk to Jim Eger about a fix. He can do wonders... Frank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fossil Posted January 2, 2022 Share Posted January 2, 2022 I would not hesitate to weld or braze that part. Both Nickel and bronze have comparable strength to cast iron. As John stated above it isn't really your problem. The body shop is responsible for the repair and they should see to it being taken care of. It's nice of you to step in for them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bloo Posted January 2, 2022 Share Posted January 2, 2022 5 hours ago, Dandy Dave said: The shop that is doing the body work got a little ruff with it and broke the transmission top where the shifter and small parts fit. They weren't by some chance trying to put one of those NORS small parts kits from ebay were they? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFranklin Posted January 2, 2022 Share Posted January 2, 2022 54 minutes ago, Bloo said: They weren't by some chance trying to put one of those NORS small parts kits from ebay were they? ? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ozstatman Posted January 2, 2022 Share Posted January 2, 2022 Dang 'em dang 'em. They ought to take a rope and hang 'em 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marty Roth Posted January 2, 2022 Share Posted January 2, 2022 3 hours ago, Bhigdog said: Not a lot of strain on that part. I'm guessing stitching would work just fine and no chance of distortion. Likely about a $200 stitch job......Bob I was about to make the same "Stitch" suggestion when I noted Bhigdog's comment- surely a reasonable alternative 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFranklin Posted January 2, 2022 Share Posted January 2, 2022 This is what J-B Weld was invented for! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bloo Posted January 2, 2022 Share Posted January 2, 2022 What on earth makes you guys think this is a low stress area? Quite the opposite. 24 minutes ago, JFranklin said: ? There is another thread about this. This car had the transmission top but was missing the shift lever and all the associated parts. These parts are relatively common thanks to the Buick Special, but for some reason, Murphy possibly to blame, when you need them nobody seems to have them. Well, I say the parts are relatively common, and they are, with the caveat that the small parts in the tower that attach the lever to the top are always extremely worn out. Mine (36 Pontiac) were completely shot. The only source of new parts that I was able to find were some aftermarket ones on ebay that were specified to fit, but once I had them in my hand didn't quite work with my shift lever. Apparently either the parts are mis-made, or there is more than one possible pivot pin size in the lever itself depending on make/model/year or something. I suspect the latter. The parts are close, and with some modifications work rather nice, but if someone tried to cram them in there as-is, it might break the tower. I don't know if that is what happened, but even if not, I know @Dandy Dave had trouble finding the lever despite it (or at least a close Buick one) being a common thing, and If I were him I would be banging my head against the wall right now. But, never mind all that. Let's find him a transmission top. 36-37-38 Buick Special (40) should fit. Surely someone must have that. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bhigdog Posted January 3, 2022 Share Posted January 3, 2022 (edited) 1 hour ago, Bloo said: What on earth makes you guys think this is a low stress area? Quite the opposite. Because the cross shaft is mainly stressed fore and aft and it appears half of the broken "bearing" is intact. When the top half of the broken "bearing" is in place it's main function will be to keep the shaft from climbing up. The up force should be minimal. Looking closer at the cover, and assuming the broken off piece is in one piece, I would clamp the pieces together and drill and tap from top down. The broken grains will make for perfect alignment. I'm guessing there is room for at least two 10-32 cap screws per side or even 12-24's. A number of ways to skin this cat. Repairing it would be the quickest, cheapest, and by far the most fun............Bob Edited January 3, 2022 by Bhigdog (see edit history) 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank DuVal Posted January 3, 2022 Share Posted January 3, 2022 8 hours ago, John_S_in_Penna said: THEY made the negligent mistake. You should not have to pay for it. They should have insurance. Let them machine a replacement, and it will be at least as good as the original. Right. If something broke like that when I had my shop I would have made the customer whole. Out of my pocket or through my garage keepers insurance. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
60FlatTop Posted January 3, 2022 Share Posted January 3, 2022 Looks like a 1/4" plate with a raised trunion pivot. You could slip the tail of the noose through the new one before you put it in the car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
intimeold Posted January 3, 2022 Share Posted January 3, 2022 (edited) In todays world, with advanced welding technics, somebody can fix that. And the cost should be paid by the shop that broke it. Edited January 3, 2022 by intimeold (see edit history) 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
60FlatTop Posted January 3, 2022 Share Posted January 3, 2022 I thought about that problem a little more this morning. I would probably look for a small foundry that would use the old one for a sand mold and cast a couple of new ones. There should be a shop somewhere around Hudson. Just gluing the broken parts back on would be fine for a mold. If you have a trophy shop nearby they might lead you to a non-ferrous shop with a small induction furnace to make one out of aluminum or brass. I see a few options. Even two steel straps with trunion towers and a tin cover could do it. If you meet the guy with the Zen One license plate ask him about a couple of novel repairs I worked out on that car. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandy Dave Posted January 3, 2022 Author Share Posted January 3, 2022 20 hours ago, Bloo said: They weren't by some chance trying to put one of those NORS small parts kits from ebay were they? No. The entire engine assembly is on a cart with casters. They decided to move it with the shifter handle. Stupid move. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Gariepy Posted January 3, 2022 Share Posted January 3, 2022 Looks like a very simple part that a good machinist could duplicate? No one is gonna see it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandy Dave Posted January 3, 2022 Author Share Posted January 3, 2022 I have the capability to weld or braze it myself. In fact I could put it back together by welding it with rod that is cast iron but the heat will distort it to a degree. And then I have the capability to machine it also. Easier to just find another one and be done with it as doing that is time consuming. I will if that is my last resort. I'm sure there is one out there. Dandy Dave! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandy Dave Posted January 3, 2022 Author Share Posted January 3, 2022 23 hours ago, John_S_in_Penna said: THEY made the negligent mistake. You should not have to pay for it. They should have insurance. Let them machine a replacement, and it will be at least as good as the original. You can be nice but firm. Never accept excuses. A conscientious shop owner should be happy to take responsibility for his mistake if he's treated respectfully. And when the situation is handled tactfully, you can still remain friends. Agree. Problem is the car is not mine and I have been handed the problem. Looking for the easiest path to get it done and not rock the boat to much. Dandy Dave. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harold Posted January 3, 2022 Share Posted January 3, 2022 This seller swapped a modern chassis onto this '36 Olds. Maybe he still has the original drivetrain and you can buy the trans. Located in southern NJ. Here's the link: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1572221919803132/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandy Dave Posted January 3, 2022 Author Share Posted January 3, 2022 Several more photos. I did post these in the parts wanted section. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bloo Posted January 3, 2022 Share Posted January 3, 2022 28 minutes ago, Dandy Dave said: No. The entire engine assembly is on a cart with casters. They decided to move it with the shifter handle. Stupid move. GAH!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFranklin Posted January 3, 2022 Share Posted January 3, 2022 It may be time consuming to repair it yourself but that is the process of restoring a car. It may take longer to find a replacement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_S_in_Penna Posted January 3, 2022 Share Posted January 3, 2022 (edited) 15 hours ago, Dandy Dave said: Looking for the easiest path to get it done and not rock the boat to much. Dave, may I respectfully say, this is not a time to go wobbly. You're not rocking a boat by calm steadfastness. Do what's right, and let the shop do what's right. That means they need to fix it, or pay for its replacement. Edited January 4, 2022 by John_S_in_Penna (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
60FlatTop Posted January 3, 2022 Share Posted January 3, 2022 2 hours ago, Dandy Dave said: They decided to move it with the shifter handle. Stupid move Sounds like something I saw on TV. Did the monkey pushing break the handle when someone threw a rubber snake at him. I remember seeing that one on one of the stupider shows. I am not much for retribution for damage by others. Imagine there being a big light switch. You turn around, walk away, and flip off the switch. I am up here in Seneca country. When I was fairly young I heard someone say "Treat a man as a brother until he proves himself unworthy. If he does ignore him." Kind of stuck with me over the years. Can't say it hasn't worked well. 2 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dibarlaw Posted January 4, 2022 Share Posted January 4, 2022 Dave: If you are sure this top would be the same as a 1937 Buick 40 series then I should have one kicking around. I will rummage around in the garage and check. Larry 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandy Dave Posted January 4, 2022 Author Share Posted January 4, 2022 13 hours ago, dibarlaw said: Dave: If you are sure this top would be the same as a 1937 Buick 40 series then I should have one kicking around. I will rummage around in the garage and check. Larry Yeah. Look around Larry. From what I have read the top casting is the same. The shift stick is bent different but that won't matter. Nothing wrong with the shift stick I have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
junkyardjeff Posted January 4, 2022 Share Posted January 4, 2022 I know of one in a junkyard but have not seen it up close in over 20 years but should still be there. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now