Help! 1960 Transmission options?

Well, I dropped my 1960 Model 225 Convertible off at the shop so they could get it up in the air and see where the transmission leak that has been dumping on my exhaust pipes was coming from.

It dosen't leak when the car is not running so I figured it was nothing good.
Anyhow they said it was pouring from the torque converter cover (while running) and when they looked at what was involved in pulling the tranny in a car like this they stopped work.

They said you have to disconnect the rear end so it will drop down and then leave it hanging to even get the 2 piece drive shaft backed out so the trans can then be dropped.

They just said it was "the front seal or torque converter " but didn't confirm either.Then of course they knew "no one in the world who could work on it".

Well, the transmission works great with the only complaint is the big leak so I am hoping I just need a gasket kit (oughta be fun to find ou: ).

I would consider switching to a different more modern transmission if there is a suggestion that dosen't require major modifications to the stock set up.

I am planning on keeping the car so I don't mind modifications for dependability (within reason).

Anyone been down this road

 

You should have the Dynaflow trans and those are very inefficient. If I were you, I would get a SP400 from a 65-66 Buick 401-425.

 

Reputable transmission shops deal with this every day. Its not rocket science getting the shaft out as the splined part should compress enough to drop the shaft.
You are fortunate you caught this before serious danage occurred. Your costs to install a new seal(s) and general overhaul should be minimal. I would guess $300-600.
You can go along way at this price rather than building and swapping a whole new tranny. The trick will be finding someone with experience and honesty. :laugh:

 

But how hard is it to put one in it? I'm kinda in the same boat exept mine just leaks normal and i'm wanting a manual

 

I think the Dynaflow is a little bit shorter than the SP400.
If you do the swap, you probably can get rid of the two piece driveshaft
set-up too. Swapping out a trans is not difficult.

 

That's what I was afraid of, the torque tube is a main part of the rear suspension

 

You can always have your first driveshaft shortened.
If you have a welder and torch/saw, you can make it fit. There are a lot
of old rods with modern drivetrains and it does not require a lot of modifications to make them work.

 

Personally, transmission repair is an area that is best left to the pro's. They will R&R the tranny in two hours.
The reason for the two piece drive shaft is to facilitate drive angles for the motor and rear end. These are critical for vibration reduction and maintaining torque angle.
If you want to hack and chop one, get ready for it to beat every thing in sight when it comes loose due to vibration. They have been known to tear through floors and stand cars up by digging into the pavement as well. ou:

 

Seen it happen once. Someones driveshaft dropped out near the transmission, the front of the driveshaft dug into the road and lifted the rear of the car up and layed it over on its side. It wasnt pretty.

I had my driveshafts shortened in a 4WD I once owned so I could fit a larger motor and tranny in it. I broke the rear driveshaft and it slung up and dented the floor pan in the bed, and the side of the gas tank... (I have a pic of what was left of that driveshaft if anyones interested.)