Are rebuilt transmissions available

[jim.williams1@verizon.net]

Hello.   Just got my first classic car -- a 53 Dragon --and am very excited.  It needs transmission work, and am having a hard time finding a mechanic to work on it.  One suggested trying to find a rebuilt unit and simply doing a swap.  That seems easier said than done.  Anyone in the KF family know of a person or company to turn to?  Thank you very much.

[joefrazer]

I've heard a few folks talk about this company. I have no experience with them myself.

http://www.restorationhydramatics.com/

[jim.williams1@verizon.net]

Thank you, again!  I have contacted them and am awaiting a call back.

[Special K]

sorry to hijack your thread. im having trouble posting a for sale ad.  Can anybody help me out??

[51Deluxe]

Congrats on becoming a new K-F owner! I have a '51 with hydramatic myself. If mine had a tranny problem, I would probably start looking around for a good used transmission, or even a running parts car with a good trans. These transmissions tend to be almost indestructible other than leaking seals, and most people drive them a limited amount, so a full rebuild might not be necessary to a good used unit. You could probably pull the pan, inspect & clean,  replace the fluid, change the seals and go.

What is the problem with your existing trans?

[jim.williams1@verizon.net]

Thanks for the idea.  Don't know how available they are, but it's certainly worth doing some snooping around.  When I pulled the car into the garage it seemed to be fine.  The next morning there was a lake of transmission fluid on the floor.

[jim.williams1@verizon.net]

Thanks for the lead.  I am new to the forum world, so have no idea how to find or reach MilesP.  Is there a directory for that purpose?

Thanks, again.

The people following this Forum have been amazingly quick and friendly with their responses.

[Gordie]

One of our long time advertisers offered K-F rebuilding kits for the Hydramatics for $315.00  David Edwards 781 449 2065.  I ordered seals for my '54 Aero and was very pleased with the product and service.

[jim.williams1@verizon.net]

Thank you SOOOOOO much!

[51Deluxe]

Jim,

It has to be either the front seal, the rear seal or the pan gasket. More likely one of the seals. I would just figure out which one is leaking and replace it - unless the trans isn't shifting right- in that case you would want to go ahead and rebuild. The rear seal could be a quick and easy job compared to dropping the trans.

[jim.williams1@verizon.net]

Thanks for the encouragement.  That's what I am hoping it is,but am preparing myself for what might lie ahead. It only has 43,000 miles on it, so if it doesn't need a rebuild, I'd be inclined to drive it another another 43,000 miles before doing it:-)  Appreciate your follow-up.  The fluid that came out looked like it was fresh out of the can.

[joefrazer]

The original seals employed leather and if they're still in place, they've long ago dried up. Sometimes, just driving the car helps swell the seals and they'll start doing their job. Most commonly, however, they need replaced. The rear seal can easily be replaced with the trans in the car but if it's the front shaft seal, then the trans will have to be removed and disassembled because the seal is installed from inside the case. Been there, done that.

[jim.williams1@verizon.net]

Leather?  Wouldn't  have thought of that!  Thank you for the advice and encouragement!

[MilesP]

I was able to get the local AMCO shop to rebuild mt dual  range  tranny last summer

[51Deluxe]

I would never use stop leak in an engine or radiator, but have found it can swell up the seals in a trans to stop the leak, without harming the unit. My '51 had a moderate leak when I bought it, a can of Lucas stop leak stopped it completely.