You should be able to determine the problem once the cover is removed. Inspect the shift forks closely too.
—John
I tried mightily, but I cannot find out the name of the manual transmission in a '59 Plymouth.
The A-903 was introduced in 1960.
The A-230 came into use in the early 70’s.
Borg-Warner t-87 was used in Mopar trucks and some passenger cars of the fifties.
I do not think the NP 230 was used in 1959. I remember them in 1970 and later, it is a really heavy duty three speed. I can see your style transmission in my memory the were used 55 56 57 58 59. Borg Warner? syncro-mesh 2-3. They are easy to work on, hard to find parts.
Good Morning all,
Todays update is as follows.I removed the trans this past weekend and took off the only access cover on the gearbox that is there, which is the side
cover where the shift linkage goes thru and has the shift forks attached to. I did find that the pins on the 2nd 3rd syncro that align/hold it together were all broken and some laying down in the bottom of the gearbox. I also found some other metal fragments which i think are the bearing retainer from input bearing which is missing some of its ball bearings, assumeing it should have a full bearing full of balls. Where these balls went is a mystery. However the other issue is trans ID. Now i bought this cd online which is very informative and i now believe i have a somehow older/ original version of the A903 or A250 or A745 because these are the only trans that show the same syncro/part that broke in mine but all the pictures show these trannys with top access covers and that is where the confusion begins. I am going towards a 57,58,59 only trans design because the 56 that is in the yard i go to has a different type 3 speed in it.All opinions and thoughts welcome here.
Thanks
Mark Hoyt
Reading Penna.
Try John Fowlie at Big M. he is a member of the group. Also Neil Freman for a used Transmission at www.fremansauto.com.
Dick.
If you plan or hope to rebuild it yourself, you will of course haave to correctly identify the make and model.
If you want to replace it for another “used” tranny, Big M in California and Freman’s in Montana are two sources.
Closer to you is this guy Benny Buckner in West Virginia.
If you think you want your current unit rebuilt by others, take it to a transmission shop. If they don’t want to touch it, ask them where you might go to get it repaired. At least maybe they can identify its make and model.
Mark, Pictures of the transmission may help. There are a lot of old transmission shops in our area, plus good and old wrecking yards, other parts hoarders.
Good Afternoon Gents,
Todays update is that i have identified the trans as a WT 243 used 1957-1959.Also called an “early Chrysler 3 speed”. I did find a source for a syncro but he wants $200. for just the syncro and that motivated me to try to do what i do. I made the pins out of tool steel (A-2) and had them heat treated to the same rockwell as the original pins (50-52 rockwell) and will be putting it all back together this weekend i hope, if the clutch search goes well and after the flywheel gets resurfaced.I did learn however for a mere 25 dollar investment that the just older 3 speed trans have the same gear train and the same syncro (1956 back to ?) so that is a possible supply for future but now i have a spare gear train if needed.
Transmission Exchange Co.
1803 NE ML King Blvd
Portland, OR 97212
800-776-1191
Helped me identify my trans and supplied me with the new input bearing at a real reasonable cost when everywhere else i looked was pricey.
Thanks to all that are following this and for the sources i’m getting for parts along the way.
Mark Hoyt
Reading Penna.
Good Morning all,
new problem, does anyone know of a source for clutches beside having them rebuilt?
Thanks
Mark Hoyt
Reading Penna.
I would thing NAPA would be a good source, you can go online with them or any of the major parts houses. I will help with a search also.
Dick.
Mark ,If you are fortunate enough to have someone that actually rebuilds clutches in your area, I would be having it done right now! I used to have a company here that had an antique clutch table and they really did a great job! they even taught me how to do my own. The trick is to have the parts. and shoe face grinder. the facing on the disc itself is simply riviting on the friction. and shock springs. check or replace. several things not just vehicles use the same disc.I,E. stationary power plants, cranes, in out boxes, power take off units and tractors. Et Cetera… Rick
Mark - There is a clutch plate on ebay right now. 59 Plymouth parts. Take a look.
Dick.
Mark = Try this source for your clutch: Jacksons Oldtime Parts 1-800=333-8059.
Dick.
Good Morning Gents,
Todays update is as follows. I was able to source a clutch from H.R. Clutch real close to me in Bensalem Pa. Also I picked up a 56 trans from a guy over in York Pa. and i found the internals were identical.syncro and gear train, good thing too. I spent yesterday putting the gearbox back together and noticed second gear didn’t feel right, suspicion confirmed after I had to remove the gear with some difficulty I found it was gauled up some and i suspect this all stemmed from the initial input shaft bearing retainer failure. Its all back together and I’m hoping there was enough good land left on the shaft where second gear rides to work correctly. But in the interim I am going to source a back up trans. RogerH do you have the contact info for the three sources you mentioned in your previous replies, preferbly the one in W. Virginia as i can drive to him to save on shipping.
Thanks to all following and contributing to this post
Mark Hoyt
Reading Penna.
Big M (John Fowlie) Williams, CA 530 473-2225
Freman’s Auto, Whitehall, MT 406 287-5436
Benny Buckner, Princeton, W. VA. 304-920-1422
Thanks Roger h
SHE"S ALIVE, Good Morning all, The trans repair went well and now she has all three gears. Now to ready her for the road, can’t wait to see how she drives.
Thanks for everyones help.
Mark
Reading Penna.
P.S. if anyone is interested i saw a complete 61 dodge seneca in a yard close by complete with 383 and a 3 speed behind it.
Way to go Mark, enjoy that beauty.
Dick.
There has never been a photo of this car posted, am I right?
There was a time when Listmembers were encouraged to send in one or more pictures of their car, along with a short story of how and why the car was acquired. A page was then created for each owner.
As it happens, life changes for the administrators got in the way, and the practice got shelved.
Hopefully, when Dan M. returns to the helm, we will get to see who belongs to this list, and their cars. 
to all ,
sorry you’re right I’ll get a good picture and post it but don’t expect a lot cause she is as she was left in the barn, but pretty enough for me.
THX Mark
rdg pa.