Yea, I stood on it and WHAM,, ka-plunkl ka-plunk, ka-lunk. Upon closer inspection, it appears the center bearing housing broke away from whatever supports it. Could not see any place where the center bearing housing connected too. It is still all there, just not supported, and no u-joint broke loose. The 57 shop manual gives you 60 pages on rebuilding the transmission but nothing on the center bearing operation.
Anyone have pictures or advice, I sure would appreciate it.
Guess I need to be gentle when putting 50 year old year old components under 400 lbs of torque.

 

Hi Jville,
I see this post is a month old.I had this happen on a 57 about 15 years ago and quite a few other people have mentioned it.1957 was bonded rubber to steel.1958 was improved with bolts put through this support.

Check with Fusick's.I know replacements are available......Lee

 

Thanks Groundhog and to others who sent PM's on this. I took it to Driveline Specialists (name of co.) here in Jax, and they ordered the replacement support and replaced all three u-joints (with grease fittings). Did a great job as the car is absolutely smooth as molasses. The front u-joint had locked up causing the center support to break away as there was no give and take. Incidentally the employees were impressed with the ruggedness of the driveline compared to todays cars.
Hope the drivewline is good for another 50 years. Being 60, I don't think I will be here to see that day.

 

If you would like some more advise I am here too. Can not get a grasp of the area your having problems with from your decription but I am sure I can help. we build these all the time. Jim J D Race

 

Glad to hear you were able to get everything corrected. Also good for you that the driveshaft is durable and hefty in the opinion of the pros. I just spent $234.00 having new U-joints and a different slip yoke attached to the drieveshaft of my '46 and it is a little smaller than the 60's and 70's era equipment meant for the TH400 and big block engines. I am hoping this holds up until I can get a 9" rear rebuilt and a better driveshaft in the spring.