1955 trans buy & rebuild

'55 (and all the way till '69) did not have CV joints. The axle "swings" (pivots) on a unique joint right at the side of the tranny. The axle shafts are integral with the tranny.

It's possible that the tranny you have *is* original and has been modified to accept the 1600. If it's working correctly, why replace it?

Hunt up an old manual (Clymer or even Chilton's) that covers this year to get a better feel for the mechanics. You can find them on eBay, for example.

Speedy Jim

The 55 trans will have a non-syncro 1st gear. A lot of people prefer to install a later 61-67 swingaxle tranny with a bus "hockey stick" for better drivability.That's what I plan to do with my '55 semaphore bug. Along with a

Thanks for the info,

Bugman, wahtis the condiditon of the trans in your 55 bug, maybe I'll purchase it from you - but also, what is the consequence of having a non-synchro first gear.

Thanks Dave

You'll need to come to a complete stop before shifting into first.

Max

But that's the fun of owning an early car :-) My Mini is like that, and my gearbox rebuild guy wanted to put a synchro first gear into it

- I told him I wanted it original!

It shouldn't be a problem anyway, how often do you shift into first when you are moving?!?

-- Howard Rose

1966 VW Beetle 1300 Deluxe 1962 Austin Mini Deluxe 1964 Austin Mini Super Deluxe (cars on website)

I do it almost every time I pull up to a stop-sign.

Not that I would _ever_ fail to come to a complete stop. ;-)

Max