B3B 3 speed trans into WC?

[1949 Wraith]

Has anyone installed an 1951 B3B era 3 speed synchro trans into a WC? I picked up an nice used B3B trans that I plan on reconditioning and installing in my 1942 WC.

 

From research it looks like the 3 speed trans in the '41 WC on, to the '49 B1B were the same part number, then changing probably when the column shift top was introduced. I think the bell housing stayed the same number.

 

The previous owner on my '51 B3B 3 speed changed my column shifter to a floor shift from an earlier B series. So since the early B series were the same as the WC it should work hopefully.

 

It will be a winter project and I will try the stick shift swap on the trans before removal. I was just wondering if anyone had done this before?

[Merle Coggins]

The B3 had an under-the-dash parking brake vs. the floor lever, so the linkage arrangement was different. I don't know if that will have an effect on how your WC linkage will attach to the trans. 

[1949 Wraith]

3 hours ago, Merle Coggins said:

The B3 had an under-the-dash parking brake vs. the floor lever, so the linkage arrangement was different. I don't know if that will have an effect on how your WC linkage will attach to the trans. 

Good point Merle. The later B3B case still has the 2 cast mounting points for the hand lever parking brake, they would have to be tapped for the mounting bolts though. When the previous owner converted my B3B to a stick shift he made a bracket to attach to the 2 front transmission cover bolts. He brought the brake cable up to the top of the transmission and it engages the parking brake like the earlier lever models.