Hydramatic Slim Jim options

RatRod · 03-21-2007, 12:48 PM

What are my options if I decide to do something with this? Rebuild? Adapter?

Oldsfan · 03-21-2007, 01:36 PM

Well, you could rebuild. That's probably your most efficient option.

You could retrofit to a Dual Range HydraMatic like they used prior to '61. Sometimes referred to as Super HydraMatic, or Jetaway (not to be confused with the 2 speed Jetaway offered in later Oldses). It'll probably work better. But that'll probably need a rebuild, too. And you'll need to make linkage, floor pan and probably prop shaft modifications.

Or, you could convert to a Turbo HydraMatic:

http://www.transmissionadapters.com/early_olds.htm

or

http://www.forwhatyouneed.com/transm...conversion.htm

At least one of these will require a rebuild because they need to modify your EMPTY transmission case. And you will again have linkage, floor pan and prop shaft issues.

I explored all of these. And I'm keeping my Slim-Jim.

Paul

RatRod · 03-22-2007, 08:17 PM

I've heard that some of these had a standard transmission? Or is that just something I misread.

Oldsfan · 03-23-2007, 06:45 AM

88 models came standard with 3 speed column mounted synchomesh. There's a '61 88 on that auction site right now that is equipped that way. These are extremely scarce. I guess you could convert that way, but you'll need a donor car for all the parts. There used to be a wagon in a yard near here that had synchromesh. They crushed it. I shoulda pulled all the stuff out of that car, but I didn't know they were going to crush it.

Paul

03-21-2007, 12:48 PM	#1 (permalink)
RatRod Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Tennessee Posts: 9	Hydramatic Slim Jim options What are my options if I decide to do something with this? Rebuild? Adapter?

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03-21-2007, 01:36 PM	#2 (permalink)
Oldsfan Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 481	Well, you could rebuild. That's probably your most efficient option. You could retrofit to a Dual Range HydraMatic like they used prior to '61. Sometimes referred to as Super HydraMatic, or Jetaway (not to be confused with the 2 speed Jetaway offered in later Oldses). It'll probably work better. But that'll probably need a rebuild, too. And you'll need to make linkage, floor pan and probably prop shaft modifications. Or, you could convert to a Turbo HydraMatic: http://www.transmissionadapters.com/early_olds.htm or http://www.forwhatyouneed.com/transm...conversion.htm At least one of these will require a rebuild because they need to modify your EMPTY transmission case. And you will again have linkage, floor pan and prop shaft issues. I explored all of these. And I'm keeping my Slim-Jim. Paul

03-22-2007, 08:17 PM	#3 (permalink)
RatRod Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Tennessee Posts: 9	I've heard that some of these had a standard transmission? Or is that just something I misread.

03-23-2007, 06:45 AM	#4 (permalink)
Oldsfan Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 481	88 models came standard with 3 speed column mounted synchomesh. There's a '61 88 on that auction site right now that is equipped that way. These are extremely scarce. I guess you could convert that way, but you'll need a donor car for all the parts. There used to be a wagon in a yard near here that had synchromesh. They crushed it. I shoulda pulled all the stuff out of that car, but I didn't know they were going to crush it. Paul