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By Dean Carriveau - 12 Years Ago
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Hi group,
I'm currently in the process of resurrecting my first car, a '56 Sunliner purchased in 1967. It was wrecked in 1971 and has been in dry storage ever since. I have removed all of the sheet metal from the firewall on forward. I just completed restoration of a 292 Y-block for the project and will bring the car into my shop this spring for installation. Before I install the engine, I'd like to make sure the air cooled transmission is okay. I had it rebuilt shortly before the 1971 accident. What things should I do to it prior to engine installation beyond new fluid and pan gasket? I figure it will be easier to work on with the engine out of the car.
Dean Carriveau
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By Ted - 12 Years Ago
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At the very least replace all the gaskets and seals. At this point, it would be cost effective to simply have someone who knows these transmissions to do this for you while inspecting the various parts for wear or other damage.
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By glrbird - 12 Years Ago
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10-4 on what Ted said, the last thing you want is the front pump seal leaking after everthing is installed, or the clutches sliping because of a sticking valve body.
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By bird55 - 12 Years Ago
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I agree with whats said and will add that I had that same trans in my car. Since mine is not a daily driver, after sitting a few weeks at a time sometimes more or less, the front seal would start to pour fluid. But after driving awhile it would stop or slow down. Daily use seems to be better for them. Old cars like to be driven. 
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By Dean Carriveau - 12 Years Ago
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Thanks to all for your replies. Looks like the trans is coming out and getting a going through before I install the new engine. Here's the completed engine running on a test stand in a photo taken last month. I still need to swap for the correct oil pan, flywheel, and bell housing once I pull the existing engine from the car. This 292 was originally from a truck and has the rear oil sump and manual trans setup.
Dean
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By 65Starfire - 12 Years Ago
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I have a 56 Mark II and am having the transmission reworked as well. One thing you should also have done is have the rear pump changed to a 57 pump. It is a direct swap and a better unit.
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By bn - 12 Years Ago
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Hi Dean, Here's what I found in my 56 Air Cooled Fordomatic when I rebuilt it myself several years ago:
The transmission was working ok, but what led to my rebuilding it was a severe front seal oil leak. I had tried installing a front seal first which stopped the leak for 100 miles, but then it started leaking again as bad as before. I pulled the transmission and completely disassembled it, including the valve body and torque converter. There was dirt and clutch material everywhere. What was causing the front seal leak was a worn front bushing. In fact, all the bushings were worn and I replaced all of them. I also, of course, replaced the clutches and bands. The only other thing I found wrong was a slightly scored rear pump end plate, which I replaced. As I recall, all the parts cost me about $400. After re-assembly and installation, there were no leaks and the transmission worked ok - except for a very severe shift from 2nd to high. I suspect this was due to the friction materials on the clutches and/or bands not being the same as original. However, it started smoothing out after about 500 miles and at about 1500 miles the shift was sufficiently smooth. Today, about 4000 miles later, it's working fine and still not leaking. If you are going to have someone rebuild the transmission for you keep in mind that a "rebuilt transmission" means different things to different people. I would make sure that the rebuilder is going to completely disassemble the transmission so that everything can be cleaned and inspected and also that he is going to replace all the bushings.
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