The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Shop says tranny parts no longer available

I have a 59' Apache with a three speed. 1st gear is chattering so I took it to a local shop that works on classic car restorations. They called me this week and said they weren't able to locate the parts for my transmission or rear end. They suggested I swap in a 4 speed and different rear end which is probably the best way to go (and really what I wanted to do anyways) but I just want to make sure they are correct. I figured a 3 speed would be pretty simple to rebuild but they made it sound like that is not the case. My motor is strong and I'm really just trying to get this thing in driver status so I can take to the store every once in awhile or a show at sonic or something. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

You can't just walk into a Chevrolet dealer or a parts store and get parts for the 3 speed. With a little effort you can find parts to fix it.

Cletis recently posted a reply to transmission repair in the DFW area, ask him for a reliable source. Obschevy.com has some gear parts in their print catalog. Mike

Search Ebay for "SM-318 parts". There are dozens of them, plus several complete transmissions listed virtually every day. I'm always suspicious of somebody who insists the only way to solve my problem is to sell me something expensive!
Jerry

Edit: Just checked- - - -there are 5 or 6 complete transmissions, a couple of low-reverse sliding gears, a cluster gear, a reverse idler, and several small parts kits listed under "55 Chevy transmission". 55-64 transmissions will fit, and the gears and other internal parts on the two different output shaft length units will interchange.
Jerry

I would suggest finding a different shop. Given what they told you, it sounds like they are not as knowledgeable about classic vehicles as they claim.
As the others have noted, the parts are available for the 3 speed, and complete transmissions can be found reasonable. Also, unless the 4 speed is an overdrive version (like the MY6), there is no gain to be made doing that swap. A better choice would be the SM319, which is the same as your existing trans, but with a Borg-Warner R10 overdrive. It's pretty much a direct bolt in.
As far as the rearend goes, unless you have the rare Positraction option (Spicer 45, also used in GMC), parts are readily available for the Eaton H033 differential used in the Chevrolets. The only parts not available are the carrier, axle shafts, and the spider gears. The bearings and seals can be acquired from most parts stores, as well as the crush washer for the pinion gear. Replacement gear sets are axailable, but only in the optional 3.38:1 ratio. The base 3.90:1 and optional 4:10:1 are not.

Yes! Awesome. This is the info I am needing. I'd prefer to just purchase a rebuilt SM319 if I can and get that overdrive.

Overdrives are on eBay quite often. I too would question a shop that says parts aren't available. Anyone who has messed with 50 year old transmissions has scrounged up parts. A lot of restoration places only know body work.

I agree with the others, don't go back to that shop. Those rear ends are nearly bullet proof. If it works ok, it probably doesn't need much except seals and gaskets. The only issue is the ratio which is not great for highway use.
As Bill stated the best and easiest way to go is the stock overdrive trans (SM319). Some electrical components are required but it is a bolt in. It's the best kept secret for keeping these trucks on the road.
Fred

Back in the late 1970's I built up a 62 C-10 stepside for my insurance agent as a graduation present for his son. It got a 283 2-barrel engine and a 3 speed OD trans. The kid loved it, when he could borrow it from his old man!
Jerry

I recommend Garry Bernard at AAAA Transmission in Fort Worth. 817 624 4342

Agree with the others. I had ZERO experience peering into a transmission of any sort, and with a little help from Hotrod Lincoln and a few others here, I rebuilt it AND the Borg Warner overdrive by myself. I did a thread on it in the Driveline forum, if you want to follow a novice through a learning curve.

Do it yourself and you'll see that they are really very simple (though I did not believe that could be true until I dived in). Then sell your services to that shop.

Parts are both plentiful and reasonable. Go for it.

jim