I have a 1950 series 62 Cadillac. It had been sitting for a maybe 3 years before I bought it and wasn't running. When I got it running I notice that it shifts really fast/early. It's got the stock hydramatic in it. It shifts almost every 5mph. I'm going about 20 or 25mph when it gets into 4th gear. I've messed with the kickdown rod and that doesn't make a difference at all. Anyone have any ideas before I take it to a transmission shop that hopefully has someone there that even knows old cars. I'm gonna end up selling this car, so if its something major I may just sell it as is, but maybe someone here has an idea and can help me get it sorted quick and easy. Thank you. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
This transmission is controlled by throttle valve pressure and has a rod from the carb to the trans to adjust this. It has been way too many years sinced I messed with this (since 67 when I put an Olds engine and hydro trans into a 50 Ford. I would think you could get adjustment info by googling it. Good luck with finding a trans shop that would have anyone knowledgable anymore. I can't remember if you lengthen or shorten the rod to raise shift points
I got curious and did a little search and found this manual online: Hydra-Matic_1946-55 There are some instructions for adjustment here: hydramatic shifts too fast
I've got a 49 cad 331 with hydramatic in my 32 5 window and it shifts fast too. Yea, I'm in 4th by 30mph but it still will go 70mph just fine. The adjustment rod helped to smooth it out by just moving it a little at a time, trial and error. I think you're ok though. Maybe some of the hydramatic group will chime in. Good luck, johnny
Take your time with them and adjust little by little. Mine did the same, Then the opposite, then the same again.
Three things make the shifts, TV pressure, Governor Pressure, and shift valves. The TV pressure is controlled by the TV rod, going to the carb. When the carb is at idle, make sure that the TV rod is all the way to the back of the travel on the transmission lever. After that is accomplished, then move the carb linkage till there is the detent feel (gets harder to move). This should be when the carb linkage is almost at max. Going thru detent should be at wide open throttle. Try adjusting this way and see what happens. If still shifting too fast, then governor springs may be weakened. (G1 & G2 springs)
My dad has a 41 62 4 p*** coupe, and has had a ton of Cad's over the years. He tells me that's the way they are. We were out driving it the other day and he weas instructing me on how to drive it. Dad says keep pressure on the throttle and the won't shift as hard. He told me the more you drive one and learn the way they shift the better you will get at plotting how you take off and when.
I found this very informative. I will study it, learn it, live it... I tried this and it will now shift later at full(or near full) throttle, but it still shifts at 1500, 1200, and around 1050 at part throttle. In a ¾ton truck with 4:10s it is all in at about 22mph. I'm afraid this will lead to full throttle driving and I already get 8mpg.
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