35 & 36 Columbia Owners - Unique Shaft Seals!
 

Offered as Helpful referral for 35 & 36 Columbia Owners -

As all may know, 1935 and 1936 Columbia Rears are somewhat rare and unique as compared to the 1937 and later units. Beside the obvious heavy cast housing - internally I understand they have 5 planetary gears and a unique vacuum can base and shorter shift rod.

Now to the point ... these units have a special leather shaft seal that is no longer available. Back in 2015 I contacted with a company to create a tool and die that would create these seals which I used in the restoration of my 35 Columbia unit (see picture showing my original worn seal and the newly created seal. The dark one is the oil soaked original and the new one will need to be soaked in oil before install to be supple. If you need these - contact Rebecca and she can get you some - cost I understand is in the $8.50 to $10.00 each range depending on the expected Jan 1st pricing increase. I have no association with this company nor financial arrangements - just a friendly referral

Rebecca Knowles

Monarch-McLaren Ltd. / Format Folios Ltd.
999 Koopman Lane * Elkhorn, WI. 53121 * USA
PH: 1-262-723-5115 * Fax: 1-262-723-5021
Email: [email protected]
Website(s): www.monarch-mclaren.com * www.formatfolios.com
Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8am to 4:30pm CST

Re: 35 & 36 Columbia Owners - Unique Shaft Seals!
 

Did you consider having the housing machined for a modern seal as the later units use? I saw your car at the eastern V8 meet, it is a piece of art.

Re: 35 & 36 Columbia Owners - Unique Shaft Seals!
 

Sounds like an excellent option - just did not think of that at the time - sounds doable for the future ... happy to report the stock set up works great.

Re: 35 & 36 Columbia Owners - Unique Shaft Seals!
 

Great that you can share this information with fellow members who may need this item.