Quote:
Originally Posted by Ironhorse
In your 2nd post you mentioned a ''4 speed Hydra/matic" trans. Can you post a pic of the column gear selector? Is it actually 4 forward speeds? Never knew such existed back then.
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Here is some data on the hydra-matic. I can tell you functionally that it drives very well and it's nice to have a fourth gear, 65mph no problem more than that is pushing a little. It's like a manual/auto shift so the feel takes a little getting used to. And you park the car and shut it off in reverse, then start it in neutral. The dual-range drive mode is for kickdown or kickdown lock-out.
This was a flagship trans for GM starting in 48? I'm not very familiar with this era or knowledgeable about internal transmission workings in general but fortunately I got a factory 1955 hydra-matic manual with the car. That saved my bacon on the adjustments. Sadly, the old guys that know these transmissions, sell parts and rebuild them are aging out. In 30 years, it'll either work or have to get swapped out for something generic. Remarkably, besides the adjustments and linkage issues, Mark (friend I bought the car from) was able to re-create the factory drivetrain back into the car very well. When he bought the car it has a 350/350 and he just didn't think that was right, I agree. He found another '55 Pontiac with a complete engine and trans and had the whole combo rebuilt and transplanted it. I am very glad he did!