Transmission

Automatic Repair

I have a 1960 Lark VIII and it needs transmission work. I am not sure whether I can tackle a tranny. Any suggestions, thoughts?

Answer:

Clean is the keep word with automatics, they are very difficult to successfully do and get full service life doing them yourself. Unless you have the equipment to bath the parts and clean out all those little passages. Additionally if you
haven't done it before your may over rebuild it and replace allot of parts that are still quite serviceable.

Since you are not intimidated by removing the box, take it out and to a reputable rebuilder. He can't get you for more than 4 to 5 hundred for a complete rebuild including the converter. Don't let them snow you. Parts are readily available and the box is very similar to a Ford unit. No black magic because its a Studebaker.

How do I check the auto transmission on my 56 Commander ? I can't find the dipstick.

Answer:

The inspection hole is under the carpet on the passenger side against the hump. There were a few commanders built with the Detroit gear trans and the inspection hole is on top of the hump on the drivers side. Check the level with the trans warmed up and the engine running. Run the transmission through each position with your foot on the brake and go back to neutral, pull out the dipstick, wipe it off and put it back in all the way, withdraw the dipstick again and read the level.

BORDER="0" width="316" height="20">