3 speed transaxle wanted

[Jim1968]

Looking for 3 speed transaxle to suit 1922  12/40 sport , cheers jim

[Old Crock]

Jim, I'm sorry to say that the chances of finding a transaxle for a 12/40 are basically zero. There are only two cars known to survive (and I'm assuming you now have one of these). The usual gearbox/axle for the 4-cyl, 12hp cars is rare enough but the Sports model has different gear ratios right the way through the box (3.8, 7, 14 with reverse 19, whereas standard 4-cyl are 4.5, 8.2, 16.2 and 22.1) The worm and wheel, plus the gears, may all be different. I fear this means cutting new gears, and worm and wheel, all dependent on the damage that requires a substitute transaxle.

Now, saying that, the positive side is that a rebuild is possible - that can be done, using the right companies plus, of course, some parts will be salvageable......so, all is not lost!

[Jim1968]

Thanks for the reply and info , I am having it rebuilt but by the time it is done summer will be over , I was hoping somebody may have something that may fit even if ratios are wrong ,
At least then I can have a play while I'm waiting , cheers jim

[Old Crock]

Ah, I remember seeing this car...it had come back from Canada.

In 1922 this model was advertised as good for 60mph. For the 1923 sales brochure two versions were offered - the first 'Sports Model' guaranteed speed of 60mph, and then a 'Super Sports' with a guaranteed speed of 75mph over the flying half-mile at Brooklands. The figure changed again for the 1924 brochure, only the one version, and 70mph guaranteed.

Quite something in the early 1920's, considering roads and so on, from a 4-cyl 1500cc. 

[Jim1968]

Yes thats the one, I bought it without viewing got it home drove half a mile to garage and a half shaft broke and the other side had started to twist in same place. First and second gears sound terrible so I'm getting it rebuilt but am itching to get out in it

[Jam2]

Hope the axle rebuild goes well.  I read the article in the current issue of  The Automobile about your car,  I assume that this was written before you bought it.
Back in the 1970's/80's I had the other 12/40 sports,  I recall that 1st and 2nd were noisy, the car easily hit 70mph and Cruised along at 60mph with no trouble.  The brakes were not good!  Subsequently the car had a Belgium owner who had to have the axle rebuilt.
The clutch was of the in or out variety which made smooth take offs difficult and hill starts were best avoided,  it may be this aspect is what caused your half shafts to suffer.  Perhaps your car has more forgiving clutch lining........

[Jam2]

David Hescroff has advised me that he has a 4cyl type axel in his loft,  it might have come with the 12/40 that I had, although I suspect it wont have the sports ratios.  If you make contact with David he would know more.