What's a Spare Drivetrain Worth?

[Wood and Steel]

I've been looking for an overdrive transmission for a little while, and I finally found one somewhat near me. The guy offered me the entire drivetrain with it for $1400, but I can't decide if that's worth it to have around for spare parts. It was running when he pulled it for a V8 swap 8 years ago, but he said it does need some work.

 

It includes: "good radiator,  fan, complete engine, flywheel, clutch housing and clutch, t/o bearing and linkage, transmission and all the electrical that makes it work,, driveshaft, complete rear axle, clutch/brake/master cylinder assembly and linkage, front suspension complete, and probably more."

 

It's off a '53, and mine is a '51 with a '57 engine. Am I correct in thinking all of the parts would be interchangeable except the pistons?

 

What's the going rate for something like that?

[Wood and Steel]

I feel like I should add some more details. He's wanting $700 for the transmission, or $1400 for all of it. $1400 is nearly 40% of what I paid for a pretty decent looking, driving car, so it's hard for me to justify.

 

From what I've been reading, $700 for the tranny isn't terrible, but it's not a steal either. How much of an improvement in mpg could one expect? How much might it add in value if I ever decide to sell it? How can I quantify getting to tell people about such a cool piece of engineering history?  

 

I'm not looking to make money off the parts, but is there a scenario in which they could pay for themselves if my car currently runs and drive fine? Or would it make more sense to save the money and track down a part if something breaks in the future?

[FarmerJon]

I would buy it. Your '57 engine is better than the '53, but if something unforseen happens to it, the spare engine would fit nicely and fill in till you got the '57 rebuilt. Same for any of the other parts. As far as price,  

Good engine $100-400

Radiator 50-100

Driveshaft and rear end -75-150

Front suspension-50-$500 (depending on how much you need it!)

 

My car came with a spare engine and transmission (not OD) and it has been great to have spares, weather to swap or or fix up while the car stays running.

[allbizz49]

It's been sitting for 8 years. I'd offer him 1k for the whole deal. 

[Roadtractor]

$700 is a pretty good deal for the od and electrical components! I wouldn't think twice about picking up another one for that if I had something to put it in.

[Young Ed]

That's a fair deal. I've seen overdrives alone for more than the 1400

[harmony]

Do you have real estate?  Meaning , is room for a parts car not an issue?  
Here's a scenario that wouldn't hurt to put in the back of your mind.  A couple years back I purchased a parts car for my 48 Chrysler for $500 Canadian, which if you're an American is pretty much pocket change these days with the exchange.  It would have been a real stretch to try and put it back on the road since it was missing a few key parts.  However, the 251 Engine ( generator, water pump, carb) and Fluid Drive and Transmission were all complete.  The Carter B&B EV1 Carburetor for that setup is very unique and specific. Someone had filled the cylinders right to the top with automatic transmission fluid and it turns over and has good compression. I keep turning it over about once a month. Driveshaft, U joints, rear end, all front end linkage and components, steering box.  Not to mention little stuff like all the dash components,  clock & radio ( both work).  But it's the knobs and tiny switches that are priceless.  Then there was all the body parts, glass, and window cranks etc etc

My point being, if you are persistent and patient and really look hard, there are good deals out there. 

However,,,,, if you really want an a transmission with overdrive, then I'd think about what it's worth to you and not what the market value of all the stuff is. 

 

  

[Wood and Steel]

28 minutes ago, harmony said:

Do you have real estate?  Meaning , is room for a parts car not an issue?  

Unfortunately by the time they started offering the overdrive transmission there aren't many body or interior parts that would fit my '51, if I'm not mistaken. Otherwise I would absolutely do that.

[harmony]

6 minutes ago, Wood and Steel said:

Unfortunately by the time they started offering the overdrive transmission there aren't many body or interior parts that would fit my '51, if I'm not mistaken. Otherwise I would absolutely do that.

In that case, you're getting a fair bit for that kind of money. Nice to have some spare rear end gears.  You could always try to recoup some money by taking what you don't want/need to a swap meet.  

As someone suggested, maybe make him an offer to see if he will come down a little bit.  If not, I'd go for it.

[Wood and Steel]

25 minutes ago, harmony said:

As someone suggested, maybe make him an offer to see if he will come down a little bit.  If not, I'd go for it.

I did today, actually. He accepted $1000 . I'll go pick it up next weekend and see what I have. Thanks everyone for the advice!

[harmony]

18 minutes ago, Wood and Steel said:

I did today, actually. He accepted $1000 . I'll go pick it up next weekend and see what I have. Thanks everyone for the advice!

Tell us what you think of your $1000 investment once you dissect it