You May be the answer to my problem I just posted this yesterday... just came accross this forum today and started reading, and this sounds like a great spot to get some help, learn, and hear some great stories about great old cars. In June 2003 I was marching in formation (I'm in the Coast Guard, and was at the training facilitiy in York Town VA at the time) and out of the corner of my eye I saw somthing big and blue. As soon as I heard "FALL OUT!" I rushed over to the '55 buick special calling my name. At the moment I thaught "man I'd love to own this ride" I saw a sign on the window oppisite me. I went on to the other side of the car. She was for sale! I declared right then that she would be mine. My budies standing around thaught I was bs'n them. By the following week I was rollin around with the car of my dreams (at least the dreams I had been having for a week). The day I baught Big Mamma Blue, I had a smile plastered to my face that stretched ear to ear. She's a four door, obviously blue, V-8 264 three on the tree with the dynaflow transmision , and this is where I'm running into trouble. A year ago my trany seized up on me a couple weeks after halloween while I was driving. I pulled it, and teeth on the first and second sleeve were snapped off, it was a real mess in there. I started off looking for a rebuild kit but could only find them for automatic transmisions. Then I started looking for a whole new transmission, again all I've been able to find is automatics. I don't know if I've just been looking in the wrong places or what. I'm not sure if the transmision is in fact the problem, it may just be a symptom. When I first got the old girl getting her into third was tricky, you could force it but you would grind the hell out it. However, if you held the clutch in longer then you normaly would, you could get into third without grinding, emphasis on normaly. Once in third though, it didn't mean you were staying there; if you were driving along then let up off the gas it would pop out of gear into neutral. The previous owner told me about it but didn't make it out to be a major problem; just a sligt quirk that could be fixed, but wouldn't cause any acctual damage. I believe him, but were these also symptoms of a bigger problem. I thaught maybe there was an issue with the pressure plate, but realy I don't know. I'm new at this so if there's anyone who has any ideas I could realy use the help. -Thanks I'm definately interested. What kind of condition are they in, any work needed?
Re: 322 and Standard Trans Hey Big Blue55, It diffenately sounds like You have Transmission Problems or Clutch and Throw-Out Bearing Issues. The 3 Speed Standard Transmission that was put behind the 264 was an Inferior Transmission. I was the same transmission that was designed for the small straight 8 in the 40's. The 3 Speed Transmission that was put behind the more powerfull 322 that was installed in the other models was totally different and was designed for heavy duty applications. I just thought I was pass that along. It is a little known but quite significant. Best of Luck with Your Project, :3gears: :TU: :beer Tom Gallagher
thanks alot buick1956r, that's alot of help. Do you know if the 264 and the newer transmision were compatible or would you have to do some adapting to get them to fit together. Im just curious.
RE: 3 Speed Transmisssion Big Blue, I don't know for sure. You could ask Nailhead Group@yahoo.com. These guys there are great. There is a guy named Russell Martin (Russ) he would know in a minute, right off the top of his head. Tom Gallagher
Re: 3 Speed Transmission Hey Big Blue I have already researched the required Information. The Heavy Duty Transmission would require a 322 Bell Housing! My Suggestion, Get ahold of a 1956 322 4 Barrel and 3 Speed Combo. I will certainly be more cost effective, easier (direct Bolt-In) and Significant Performance Upgrade. Tom Gallagher
