Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1939 Buick Roadmaster first &reverse gear, buick roadmaster, buick club

Question
Dear Mr. Benjamin,
I have a 1939 Buick Roadmaster (series 80).
one of the "teeth" of the first & reverse gear of the manual transmission broke apart. This happenend when I did not fully engaged it while changing from first to second speed on the column ("three on  the tree").  I have tried hard to find an NOS replacement but I have been unsuccessful. What suggestion do you have? Can I still drive the car without endangering the entire transmission gear system? Thanks!

Answer
You could drive it this way, but you are taking a chance on doing more damage to the transmission, because of the chunks of metal that are now loose inside the transmission.  I think you should park it until you get a replacement transmission or have yours repaired.

There is a very active Buick club, with many members who sell parts - I suggest you join the club and get to know some people well enough that you can ask where to get the parts you need.  I doubt you will find NOS parts, but you should be able to find good used parts for it from any of the used parts specialists.  Since you know the part numbers, you should also know what other cars the same parts were used on. If you need help with that, post a follow up question and I may be able to help you with that information.

The Buick club is at www.buickclub.org

Dick