So the shop that did the flex plate on my 56 sunliner apparently tightened one of the rear trans bolts too much (it was too long anyways) and it punched a hole in the trans casing.  If you look at the Ford-O, the rear mounting pad integral to the tailshaft housing has two "ears" that the bolts thread into.  One of these (cant remember which side) got too long/tight and put a hole in the bottom of a bulge in the trans case - hole is directly above the bolt hole - ... looks like there should be a solenoid or spring cup or something in there... and its leaking fluid like mad.  Shop and I are arguing about whose fault it is, but in the meantime, i have a real problem i need some expert advice on.  As I see it, choices are:

Heliarc the hole - i dont know what is on the other side of the hole, so will anything internal be damaged?  Trans still work ok? 

Replace the tailshaft housing (assuming i can find another one) - how much "stuff" is in the tailshaft housing?  Can it come apart easily, or are there a bunch of things in there that a trans shop is needed for?  Can it come off while the rest of the trans is still in the car?

I have no clue about transmissions, so im not sure what the best course of action is?  I dont even know what other questions/info I need to provide to get to an answer/plan?  Any and all thoughts or info is greatly appreciated - I just got off the phone with the guy at the shop, and we are trying to figure out what to do quickly, so I really need/want/am begging for insight/wisdom to get this resolved.

Thanks!!!!!!

Ron Grove

Wauconda, IL