So I've had a chance to start working on the '55 I bought last month. Before I bought it, the previous owner was upfront about it having a "problem" with the torque converter, but had no more specifics than that to offer. He was out of state and at the time it was parked at his daughter's house, over in the gr***, and wouldn't even start. A couple of weekends ago I finally got a chance to start going through it, get it running, and check things out. I'm pretty happy to find that it's in as good or better shape than I expected. Lights, gauges, heater, even the dimmer switch work fine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDMQ9LI_sOQ But... he was right about the ******. I'm probably at least the 4th owner since it was restored, so I wasn't able to get much of any history on it. My su****ion is somebody had a '56 donor and basically combined vehicles. I'm in the learning stage right now, but from what I can figure, this is an oddball set-up (pics in my album): http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/album.php?albumid=29005 Maybe somebody can tell me if I'm on the right track here? The torque converter looks correct (aircooled), but it appears to be mated to a later model ****** (it doesn't have an aircooled bellhousing, and does have a ****** cooler plumbed in). The paint is gone on the ID plate, but the style looks like it's probably no later than a '57? Right now I get nothing out of the transmission - nada, zilch. Moving it through all the gears (PRNDD2) it doesn't make a peep, nor is there the slightest hint in the engine RPMs that anything is happening. The shift linkage is all hooked up and moves, ****** fluid is full and clean, torque converter spins just fine. The ****** is a leaker and had obviously been recently worked on. If anybody can provide some insight or point me in a direction, I'd very much appreciate it. Here's what I'm wondering - a) what transmission do I have, and is it common to mix and match parts? b) is there something obvious I may be missing to get this moving under it's own power? c) is it worth trying to salvage this transmission, considering I'll probably have to pay to have it worked on by a local shop?
I would do a post here: http://www.network54.com/Forum/260730/ if anybody knows Ford transmissions it's these guys.
Well first I will ***ume it has trans fluid in it . I would check under the converter and make sure it's bolted up to the flywheel . Also look up inside the best you can and make sure the converter is the trans input shaft and not just sitting there bolted to the flywheel . Now of that all looks good then start the car and look to make sure the converter is turning . IT can stay in part for the converter to turn . My 55 also had a NON air cooled trans . It was changed by someone before I got it . It leaked bad out the front pump but shifted OK . NOW this is one thing you must check over very good on the bottom . Make sure you check your front crossmember that is under the radiator and the front lower 'A' arms are bolted to . The 55/56 are noted for them rusting out badly / There are a couple places to get a new one to weld in . They aren't hard to replace either . I got mine off Ebay from for $329 . It fit perfect ! Jim
I just watched the You Tube you posted . I would say that oil pressure gauge doesn't work very good . It should go up from an idle but looks like it just stays there . Should be about 40 to 45 lbs . Motor sounds good but you will need to adjust the valves . They are solid lifters and need to be adjusted every so many miles . I heard the valve tap so that should be on your list of things to do . The car really looks nice too ! I think that radio even made some noise too didn't it ? I looked at the other link for the trans pictures and YES that's an air cooled converter but not sure about that trans . Maybe someone had the bright idea to change the trans to a fluid cool tans BUT used the air cooled converter ! If so that would be the problem . The should be a big oval red tag that is attached to the trans by rivets . Just a thought . Jim
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