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Classic/Antique Car Repair/54 bel-air closed driveshaft..

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Expert: - 4/5/2009


Question
My dad has a 54 Bel-Air 2dr. sedan..235 w/3spd. The tranny is really noisy and he wants to convert it to a newer 3spd and get rid of the closed driveshaft. I think he will have to change the rear end too since of course it is closed driveshaft rearend..Was just wondering if you or someone you know has done this before? Would just like to know what is involved in doing this changeover. Thanks!!...Keith.

Answer
You are right, he would have to change the rear end as well. Street rodders do this all the time and it usually requires some fabrication to make the parts fit. I don't know anyone personally that has done this on this particular car. As Jesse James of Monster Garage and Orange Choppers says, if you can weld you can do anything.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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