I can chime in and say that the 3 speed top loader seems to be the preferred transmission for these 1/2 ton restorations. Seems like there is more interest in those than the 4 speed used at that time. I can testify that there is a difference and a weight savings and I like my 3 speed over the 4 speed. I see those go from 75-300 dollars...depending on the variables of the market, seller and purchaser.
I acquired a complete 46 frame with a 261 on it, and a 4 speed for 300.00 a few years ago. It needed a ton of work from the hubs to brakes, to the motor - but it seemed affordable to me at the time. I definitely recovered my costs selling parts from it that I didn't need.
Funny how it is - as an assembly you might get less for it, but as individual parts you may get more. So it may be true after-all that the sum of the parts is greater than the whole. See what offers you get, and let the market dictate the value.
Last edited by tom moore; 02/24/2021 2:30 PM.
