Guffin Posted February 8, 2005 Share Posted February 8, 2005 The closed drive train on prewar Buics makes it difficult to add an overdrive. Was there any made and how was it attached? Is there any gearbox from later models that will fit the bellhouse on older Buicks?Jan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Old Guy Posted February 8, 2005 Share Posted February 8, 2005 There was a company that put the Borg Warner overdrive in the torque tube, but it was after-market. The simplest cure for a 40-52 straight 8 was the gears set from a 54-55 dynaflow. this took you from the 3.9-4.4 axle to a 3.3-3.4 and made a tremendous difference in highway RPM. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guffin Posted February 9, 2005 Author Share Posted February 9, 2005 Thank you for your replay.I bought a 1940 56s with a -53 straight 8 engine and the seller said he will put such a rear gear in the trunk. The car is still in Crystal City MO and I will have it sent to Sweden next month. Perhaps a good idea to put this gear on the car. I know how to adjust the gears but I don't know how much work it is to put it in place. I am not familiar with the torque tube rears.Jan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Old Guy Posted February 10, 2005 Share Posted February 10, 2005 If he will send you the complete center section from a dynaflow, all you need to do is put the torque tube and drive shaft from your car on the unit, and put it in the car. The axles have the same spline, so it is a bolt in operation. You might ask him to send the rear cover also, as your cover might rub.PS I have a 1940 56C with the same ( 53 engine and 3.42 axle) and I can cruise all day at 70+ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guffin Posted February 10, 2005 Author Share Posted February 10, 2005 Sounds easy!? I don't know how mych the seller can put in the trunk.Do you have any photos of your 56c to show? You can see my 56S athttp://www.aaca.org/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=9904The three first photos. Is the engine color the correct one for -40 or -53? I have only seen my car on pictures and it looks to be in very good condition. The seller seems to be a nice person. It is difficulr to wait so long to get the car here and be able to drive it. It is more modern than my other cars and will probably be mych better on long trips.Jan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Old Guy Posted February 11, 2005 Share Posted February 11, 2005 I do not think the color is right for either year. the 40 should be dark grey, and the 53 was a torquise blue. It also has all the 53 sheet metal. The spark plug cover and the air cleaner are for the 53. I do not have the expertise to post pictures. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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