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

Ron I think that you have answered your own question. You should read your own post. Everything thing you list as important as far as keeping looking "ORIGIONAL" will be compromised by any transmission swap. It only came off the assembly line once. I do not mind making changes and or improvement to my cars but it sounds to me you do care. You have to decide. Bite the bullet and fix the leak. Pete

Thanks Pete.  Yeah, I guess I should have just asked if there are any trans swaps that allow you to keep the stock linkage and column shifter.  In reading old posts I wasn't sure if the FMX (or some franken-trans with FMX parts) would allow me to do that.
Just trying to find options that would consistently start in 1st gear, as a lot of my driving is around town and the 2nd gear start gets tedious, as you can imagine.

Also wondering if anyone has used any of the trans stop leaks to slow the flow until I figure it out?
One last question; trans was rebuilt about 15 years ago and has about 25k miles; wondering if just basic dextron III would be ok?

Thanks for all the reads and replies!

Ron Grove

Wauconda, IL

Ron,
What worked out real well for me in my 55 Customline was to use a green dot CruiseOMatic from a 1960 292 Fairlane. 58 to 60 COM's still have the mechanical throttle pressure set up (no vacuum modulator) so all the original linkage stays. You will need to swap the radiator to one set up for liquid cooling, but I think that was introduced in 56 so nobody should ding you for that. If I recall, Ihad to move the crossmember rearward slightly and have the driveshaft shortened a bit. I did this about 7 years ago and Iit has made driving the car a real pleasure. Good luck to you.

You'll also find the a small block FMX fits with very little modification. Main issue would be getting a torque converter that fits the FMX and you Yblock.
No expensive adapters required, and uses mechanical throttle kickdown along with a vacuum source to modulate. 

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

The FMX option is probably the easiest.  The next, in my opinion, is a C4 if an overdrive is not needed.  I put one in my 56 Bird with little or no changes.  Dipstick is in the usual position, stock linkages should work (mine do) and the rear mount is a regular Ford piece that fit the factory crossmember with no alterations.  The trans is small so it fits between the frame  and the tunnel ok.  There is a little bit of engineering for the down shift rod but it adjusts the same as the Fordo.  One of the problems with a C4 is you may lose manual low as there isn't enough detents in the shifter.  You will have to change starters.  I know that the engine bay in then sedan has less room than a Bird, but it should work ok.

I have driven the car from coast to coast and trips halfway plus around the local area and I am very happy in the way it performs.  Use a 1980 or later unit, make sure it is from a column shift car as the shift arm on the trans may be different than a floor shift car.  Check if the arm on the fordo points up or down, make sure the C4 is the same. The trans I used has the arms for both.


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

an interesting read on this website
http://www.y-blocksforever.com/tech/html/fmx_upgrade.html
stuey

So I am a little confused about the FOM small case vs. medium case transmissions. I thought that the 56 medium case FOM were 3 speeds and only installed in the wagons, T Birds and Police Interceptors. So wouldn't that make Ron's 56 Sunliner  transmission a small case FOM (if it is the original tranny)? If so, is it than a 2 speed? Also, is there a difference in the shift linkage between the small and medium case FOM? Just wondering if Ron would benefit by installing a medium case FOM if he does in fact have the small case FOM.

  Ron Lane,  Meridian, ID

Ron,
All FordOMatics of 55 & 56 vintage are 3 forward speeds with 2nd gear normal starts. The case length does correlate to the intended duty.

Man o man!! 62 n I'm blessed ta STILL learn somthin ever day!! I've had my 55CV since march n I had NO idea that my "2" speed indicator, fordomatic trans, is actually a 3 speed!!! As soon as I get off work taday taken Diana out fer a spin n try that shift that 56roger spoke of! That is WAY kool!!! These old Fords, ya GOTA love em. Thanks roger. Never heard that before!!

Rowen
55CV
Woodland, Ca