This externally ribbed trans is either a 56 series as used in Datsun 1000 & 1200 models [the hydraulic clutch makes it hard to tell the difference] or it's a 56a trans as used behind the rear distributor A12 engines from 1974 onwards. I don't think that these later type A12's were sold in North America however.

I don't know what was used behind the A12A or even the 'Thrift' A14's in the Nortn American 210 models [B310] but they might have used the 56a trans as well.

As far as I know, this car uses an A15 engine, so the 56[a] series is NOT the best idea unless the car is driven sympathetically. Even the factory didn't go near that combination.

A better choice, & possibly an easier trans to find would be the 60 series [smoothcase] from just about anything with an A14 or A15 engine which includes most North American B210 & 210[B310]. models This trans was designed for the high torque, long stroke engines like the A15 & is also available in two different 5 speed overdrive-in-fifth versions. [early= dogleg, later= conventional shift] Both the four speed & five speed will probably need some underfloor massaging in a couple of spots to get them into the B10's smallish tunnel, but it would be a much better combination when it's all done.

They can use the current driveshaft from this car without modification, but the rear mount is further back & a little attention will be required to fabricate a new underfloor mounting.
The reverse light switch is also a pain, but again, some suitable work with a hammer & dolly should ease the problem.

The five speed will also make the car more highway friendly & even a stock A15 will provide enough pep in 5th to keep things interesting.
Quote:

Thanks, I have been searching around for a 60 box for sometime. Local junk yards seem to have nothing. I'm going to try the VIDE guys to see if they have any leads.

SW, you have an A15? By all means get a 60-series, that's why you are having gearbox trouble.

Dman, we got the 56 4-speeds here behind the 1974 A13 engine and behind 1979-1982 A12A engines.

The 60-series is the most plentiful gearbox here, was in all 1975-1978 B210s and most 1979-1982 B310s.

DD said - "The 60-series is the most plentiful gearbox here, was in all 1975-1978 B210s and most 1979-1982 B310s."

I thought that was the 63 series in the 74 to 78 B210's? the 60 series I picked was out of an 80/81 210 series car.

If their so plentiful how come are they so hard to find

Minor correction: a few B210s had 63-series. Only in 1976-1/2 to 1978 models. Not very common.

Almost all B210s (B-210) and B310s (210) had a 60-series gearbox. There are exceptions.

Say, dd
If I have trouble finding one locally can you lend me a hand with tracking one down? Would be more than happy to reimburse you for your time, ect. Seattle is not very far from Richmond. Drove down there a few months ago because a friend wanted to buy an iphone =).

There is a 5 speed on ebay if anyone is intrested. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/_Car-T ... em?hash=item370057384839&
Too far for me to buy =(
Still looking

This is a LINK to the eBay auction for a late [conventional shift] 60 series five speed.

Lordy, there must be plenty of these things closer to the Canadian border. Phone books & Google searches for wrecking yards can often produce results if half a day is set aside for the task.
I managed to find a 1957 Dodge hemi in Kansas City from over here, so a 1970's/80's Datsun trans should be much less difficult.

Sometimes it's even an economic proposition to buy a whole car & 'mine it' for your needs then call the scrap metal man to haul away the carcase.

Ddgonzal
With your additional info it seems so far that all of the short stroke engines [A10, 1200, A12 & A12A] use the 56/56a trans although the short stroke A13 is still an unknown, however I'm guessing it too used the 56a.
I would suggest that the 1974 long stroke A13 & the A12A used the 'new & improved' 56A trans as the 56 was discontinued at the end of 1200 production as far as I know & all this could be good to know in the future.

The seller sure want's us to admire his lawn, he includes enough of it in his pictures.
It can be seen here that the cases were all the same casting for both left & right drive, then finish machined as required as the slot position & hole for the right drive cable clutch mechanism is clearly seen.

Yes, they are available here close to the Canadian border.

You have to do a bit of work to find one. Maybe one out of every 10 'old-car' yards have one.

There are some in Seattle area wrecking yards, I just got a report yesterday of one. 5-speed, I mean. Four speeds are much easier to find.

There's a five-speed for sale right here on Datsun1200.com (from today) for $100.