Ratchet top tranny conversion

[LittleAl]

I have a ratchet top tranny in excellent condition for my '54. I would like to go to tank shift (I think). A good buy (if the price stays low enough) is ending tomorrow on the correct lid but I was looking in the parts manual and it seems like a lot of stuff will have to be changed and I'm gun shy to take the plunge so I have a few questions:

1) are the tank shift tranny internals available (V-Twin, other aftermarket sources)?

2) shift drum, forks, etc. that need to be swapped, if they are available, a major tranny job or basic? I have a fear of splitting cases and opening trannys, lol

3) if the parts can be had easily, and it's not a major opening up of the entire tranny, can I count on you guys to guide me through it?

tranny is currently sitting on my kitchen table but I've been afraid to open her up!

Thanks!

[RUBONE]

Al, not sure what parts book you are looking at but there is NO internal difference between a handshift and footshift gearbox. Only the top is different. To switch it the forks need to be spaced correctly to the drum. That is basically it. If you get a handshift top make sure it is complete. Do not purchase a casting only, it will just make your life hard.
Robbie

[VPH-D]

Hand shift lids are plentiful at swap meets. As was stated, get a 47 & later complete lid and have the forks adjusted.
VPH-D

[LittleAl]

well, against the good advice I received here (so I'm stubborn, lol) I bought the tranny top off eBay. Got it cheap so no big deal. It has the everything except the drum and drum shaft.

I saw, but missed, an eBay sale for a cracked top with a good drum. I emailed the seller to ask if he'd relist since it didn't sell and what the part numbers were and I'm confused. He gave me a top number of 34809-52 and a drum (cam) number of 34016-52. I can find NO reference to these numbers anywhere. he says their stamped right into the cam and cast into the top.
my parts book (49-57) shows the cam as 34010-36 and top as 34804-36

can anyone confirm for me that these are valid numbers and they'll fit my '54 tranny?

I'd like to use the drum and shaft only in the top I already bought, which is correct for my year, without the neutral switch.

Thanks!

[RUBONE]

Most -52 numbers relate to ratchet top parts!!
Robbie

[LittleAl]

yep, got the real deal after about 10 emails back and forth with the seller.

thanks!