Hi, I own a 56 Olds Super 88 Convertible and the Hydramatic shows the following shift pattern: N D S L R Is there anyone out there to tell me, if this is the correct Hydramatic for that car and if not, what was it used for? Thanks brgds The_German
I don't know if this helps you or not but it is a very similar pattern to my 54 chevy truck H-M. It goes N, 1-4, 1-3, 1-2, R
Wie Gehts? Yes, that is the correct sequence, for both single and dual range Olds Hydra Matics. The owner's manual stated them to mean 'neutral; drive; second; low; reverse'. Salesmen of that period said the 'S' was for 'Super', maybe accurate then, those cars accelerated proficiently for their time... If you can put it into reverse while slowly rolling forward (2-3 mph) it is the '56 type Hydro. If it grinds going into reverse, it is the earlier single range hydro out of an earlier model. -A second generation most-German.
That is an early 56 Dual-Range Hydra-Matic. The easiest way to tell is that there is no Park(P)position on the shift quadrant.Park is engaged by putting the shift lever in the Reverse(R) position and shutting off the engine.The parking pawl is held open by hydraulic pressure and engages when the car is shut off.Not sure when during the 56 model year but they went to the so-called,"Jet-Away" Hydra-Matic which has a Park position on the quadrant.Early trans is definitely a better model.
Olds used the Hydramatic on their 88's 1953 [and possibly earlier]to 1960.The way a fellow can tell what model Olds he has is simple.Look at your VIN number will begin with the model year...The next number will be a 7,8,or a 9. If it is 7 you have an 88...If an 8 then you have a Super 88 ..and if it is 9 then your car is a 98. All 88's came with the Hydramatic you appear to have.One caveat is that after 55 years there could be anything behind your 324...Good luck with your OLDS...
In 1956 the 98 model all had the Jetaway. The 88 mainly had the Hydramatic (without Park) but there was some cross over I think with the super 88. Later built 56 cars may have had the Jetaway.
@atwater Mike: Es geht mir gut, vielen Dank! So if I understand it correctly my 56 Super 88 Convertible is fine with the Hydramatic that I presently have!? It must be an early Super 88 in that case. I was just a little puzzled when I read in the 56 sales brochure that all Super 88 had the new jetaway Hydramatic, so I feared that someone had changed the Hydramatic over the 54 years of history. My Hydramatic is shifting pretty rough. Was that the way these trannis worked? Thanks for all your help!!! The_German
The hydramatics shifted firm and have been told thats why the jetaway was made as it shifted a little softer.
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