I am getting the driveshaft ready to go back into my 64 Cutlass. I have two driveshafts (the other one from a 65 Cutlass) and I was pretty sure I knew which was which. Now I'm only 90% sure. The one I believe is from the 64 is solid and the other one looks like it has a slip joint but is fixed. It appears that there is some sort of anti-vibration rubber bushing between the two tubes. This is not a restoration and they are the same length so it probably doesn't matter which one I use.
My other question is which end goes to the trans? On the believed 64 the large diameter tube was at the trans and the other driveshaft was the opposite. They use the same ujoint at either end so again it may not matter. If there is no functional difference I think small diameter at trans.
I think these were unpainted from the factory but there's no way I can leave it that way. I think black to match the frame but an aluminum color to match the trans might look OK. Any thoughts?

 

I would use the solid one. The one with the rubber is due for the rubber to start fail and will vibrate.

 

X2 on that. Or just have a NEW one made if the car is a keeper it is a good investment.

 

On the concentric driveshaft with the rubber vibration damping insert, the open end goes towards the rear.

 

I think that I will set up the solid driveshaft the same way, with the tapered end at the rear. Thanks