How does the transmission couple up to the drive axle? Since it appears there's already been a swap made to a non-original engine, have you considered upgrading the powertrain to a more modern engine/trans package?
Jerry
There is the cutest darned mini drive shaft you've ever seen. It is closer to a PTO shaft, really, as it slides inside itself to adjust for length.
We may do a powerhouse and drive train upgrade at some point. Right now we are not planning any across the continent trips, so we would like to use it as is, so to speak. That said, we would like it to be as trouble free as such things can be.
To that end, and on the advice of a mechanic we trust, we have already changed out the radiator to something that is considerably more off-the-shelf.
We have not, thus far, had trouble finding parts when needed. The guys at the counter have finally stopped asking what I'm working on and then telling me their system does not go back that far. Actually, having the 1960 motor will be helpful as their system does go back that far.
Just to add to the fun, this bus was the tour bus of the Six Fat Dutchman. If you're not familiar with them, hit the Google and check them out. Polka is not my thing, but the history is neat and it is why we call the bus Dutch.
Edited to add a photograph of a portion of the driveshaft.
Take Care,
Joshua L. Coder
