3 spd transmission sidecover

[Terry B.]

I have a sidecover with a casting number of 3731911. The shift levers do not point up when the cover is attached to the case. This makes me believe my cover is from a passenger car. It is my understanding the shift levers on a 57 Corvette must point up. What can be done to "flip" the grooved shafts that protrude through the sidecover? I have not tried to disassemble the sidecover yet. It is my hope someone has been there and done that saving me some aggravation. Any words of wisdom would be appreciated. Thank you.

[Joe L.]

Re: 3 spd transmission sidecover

I have a sidecover with a casting number of 3731911. The shift levers do not point up when the cover is attached to the case. This makes me believe my cover is from a passenger car. It is my understanding the shift levers on a 57 Corvette must point up. What can be done to "flip" the grooved shafts that protrude through the sidecover? I have not tried to disassemble the sidecover yet. It is my hope someone has been there and done that saving me some aggravation. Any words of wisdom would be appreciated. Thank you.

Terry-----


GM #3731911 is the correct sidecover for a 1957 Corvette 3 speed. This sidecover was known as GM PART #3731900 and may also have been used on some passenger cars. However, I believe the part would have been the same for both Corvette and passenger car.

[Brooks G.]

Re: 3 spd transmission sidecover

Terry, I just experienced the same thing you have with the 3 speed transmission for my '56. I had a fellow build the transmission for me. He was able to round up all of the correct parts except for the tail housing. The transmission was shipped to me with plastic caps and tape on the rods coming out of the side cover. After removing this I discovered that the knurl and notch in the rods were in the wrong location. They were 180 degrees out of sink. Luckily I had another 3 speed transmission that came out of a 1960 model and I ended up removing both side covers and sent them to the transmission builder. He then took the one apart and using heat on one part and freezing the other managed to get the rods in the correct location. The knurl has to be up with the transmission in neutral for the lever to be in the proper position. The numbers on both side covers I have are the same. I don't know why one had the knurls and notchs in the wrong location. I hope this will help you. I wish you good luck with your restoration!
Brooks Glover (2141)

[Gary C.]

Re: 3 spd transmission sidecover

Brooks, cast part numbers same for car and Corvette. Assembly part numbers are different as the car notches and Corvette notches are in opposite directions. Gary....