Hi guys, been a while since I posted.  Have a problem and am soliciting info related to a trans issue/options, and Im hoping the experts here can help with some info.  I have tried searching but cant seem to find a concise answer/options. (I apologize in advance for the long post)
Car is a 56 Sunliner, wife and I restored it about 15 years ago.  292 with a 3-speed ford-o-matic.  Cant remember what case it is.  It is air cooled.
Got the car out of storage and I have a bad trans leak.  Im assuming its the front seal based on where the puddle is, but I haven't gone underneath yet to confirm.  Car leaves a significant puddle when left idling for a few minutes.  Probably loses at least a quart every few hundred miles.  So basically I need to do something about it.
The car is shown regularly, done a few concours events, but we drive it a fair bit too. Really worked hard to make sure the car appears stock, even in cases where we made a few mods.
So at this point, I need to do something, and likely the trans will come out.  my question is whether I should swap to an FMX, AOD, C-4, etc or just fix the ford-o.  I know from a driveability standpoint any will be better than the ford-o, BUT the following things are important if I were to do a swap from stock:

• Should look stock from above the car.  Would prefer to keep OE linkages,
  etc.  Would rather not have aftermarket dipsticks, etc  I figure I can
  hide vac lines for a modulator though
• Want to retain stock column shift
  appearance.  I don't need to access to 1st gear manually, but would like it
  to look stock
• Would prefer not to permanently modify the frame, mounts, etc
  if avoidable.  In a perfect world, everything would be
  reversible.
• Ideally, id like to keep the stock starter, although this is a
  low priority and likely not feasible.  (I know its stupid, but I just like
  the sound....part of the fun of it being a really different car).

I think that's it....so, not sure what, if any, options are realistic?  Can any of the trans swaps accommodate these items, or should I just get the ford-o resealed?  Anybody know if any of the trans stop-leak products work (without damaging internals) to stem the flow while I sort this out?

Thanks for taking the time to read, and for any help/insight!

Ron



Ron Grove

Wauconda, IL