ICKsteve

What’s up guys and gals, new member here just wanted to introduce myself, name name is Steve and I just picked up my first classic olds with a 1955 Oldsmobile 98, super stooked on it, she’s a solid rust free car, but definitely different then the norm Im used to as I’ve mostly owned fords in the past. Im sure I’ll be leaning on the help and knowledge of the seasoned members with more experience. Currently my car has a bad transmission leak on the stock hydromatic, currently doing some research on how to remove and reseal! Wish me luck! Thanks for reading! Have a great day.

oldcutlass

Welcome to the site, post some pictures when you get a chance. Visit the Vintage forum, lots of info and knowledge.

ICKsteve

Only have a few pictures of it as of now, but I can always post more later.

Vintage Chief

Several members w/ excellent knowledge of your transmission to assist. Welcome to the site.

no1oldsfan

Very cool. Welcome to Classic Oldsmobile. I so dig your car. Welcome welcome.

Olds64

Welcome. Awesome Oldsmobile.

redoldsman

Welcome to the site. That is going to make a nice car. If you transmission is leaking from the tailshaft, it is problematic. In 1955, Oldsmobile changed to a seal that is actually located inside the tailshaft. The seal that is accessible externally is only a dust seal. Replacing the seal requires removal of the tailshaft housing. It was a dumb design and Olds only kept it for a few years.

ICKsteve

yeah it’s leaking from a few spots, the tail shaft is one of them unfortunately. Also form the front shaft also or I believe to be so, and the side cover. How much of a pain is the rear seal to do? Does it require disassembly of the trans or it simple once the tail shaft is off? Also does the torque coupler have a seal between the two half’s? I just ordered the service manual for the car but just trying to get some insight before I pull the trans next week.

Charlie Jones

The best investment you can make right now is a 1955 Oldsmobile service manual.
Printed original copies are best.
Vintage 1955 Oldsmobile Shop Manual Pre- Owned | eBay

ICKsteve

I ordered one last night, should be here in a few days. I figured this one s a bit different from what I’m used to, so it’s definitely worth the money.

redoldsman

The 54 I had actually had a 55 engine and transmission in it. I discovered that when I had the transmission rebuilt. Sometime later the rear seal started leaking. They had to pull the transmission to replace it. Charlie Jones is our local expert on 50-60's Oldsmobiles. I hope the service manual you have ordered is an original. They are lots better than the reprints and the CD versions.

CRUZN 66

Welcome to the group.

acavagnaro

Welcome aboard. Just curious, but what attracted you to the Oldsmobile after your time with Fords? Did you just feel like a change and it popped up or was there something about that particular car that attracted you to it?

ICKsteve

I was looking for something under 6k to drive around while I build my 40 Merc, this popped up and I loved the look, went to check it out and it was a solid runner with no rust and a bunch of extra parts, I had to have it. I love all the old 40-50s cars and I four door fan.

67OAI

Welcome aboard! Nice '55! We would love to see pics of your '40 Marc also!

Charlie Jones

The rear housing does come off without pulling the trans from the car.
I believe it also involves removing the reverse unit.
You will get more details when you get the service manual.

Yes, there is a thin paper gasket between the flywheel and the torus cover.
It, and many other parts for this trans are available from FATSCO.
Online Store | Fatsco Transmission Parts | United States

ICKsteve

awesome! The guy I got it from actually gave me a full fatsco seal kit for the trans. I haven’t actually looked I. The kit but it was amongst the extra parts I got with the car, super stooked about that.

ICKsteve

the 40 Merc is nothing to write home about right now lol the 55 is far more nice then the Merc lol. Less rust and more complete. The vision of the Merc is cool but it’s a far ways from that.