Will have to replace the Hydramatic in my 1952 Super 88. Looking for good used. I am in the SF Bay area Ca. Could drive anywhere west coast to pickup, or could arrange shipping. Thanks, Robert

 

My serial # is R-53 74469

 

I have a 1953 with a complete drive train . The car was running when it was rear ended and parked. Would the 53 be the same trans as the 52 ? I am in Chico CA, 3 hours drive north of S.F. John

 

Hello John. I am sorry to hear about your car being damaged. I am definitely interested. Chico would be an easy drive for me. Is there a plate on the side of the trans that Identifies it? Is your engine also the Rocket 303?
Perhaps I can pm you with my phone number. I am not sure about the rules with posting that. Could try. 831-251-2212. My Hydra-matic has a plate with R-53 and then 74469.
Have to get to work very early tomorrow morning but am definitely interested. Thanks, Robert

 

All 303 are Rockets, along with all of the first generation Oldsmobile engines and most of the later engines. The Rocket name was mostly a advertising ploy Kinda like Mopar is for Chrysler....... Tedd

 

Thanks Tedd. I bought a manual on ebay last night. I am going to have to find a used trans or pull mine to rebuild. Changed the fluid twice, cleaned screen. Rear band way over tight, and the front band very very loose.
Couldn't get reverse at all and slipping forward. After work, loosened the rear band as described in manual, and tightened front band then backed off until rpm went back up. Wow now I got reverse all day! But the forward still slips, so I think the band is worn out. So out it will come, and replace or rebuild.
Robert

 

Be careful of tail shaft length on transmissions you consider. In 1952 there was still two lengths, shorter for 88 longer for 98. The 98 transmission has a orange painted oval tag, the 88 is yellow or 'taffy tan'. It is pretty common to see them today scrambled around, several cars have come to me like this. Two 88's with 98 trans, and one 98 with a 88 trans (undesirable). Good luck ~

 

Thanks for the information. Another member here had also told me to check the length. Mine has a yellow plate on the side. It has two band adjusters up top, A trans the truck shop guys have here is a hydra-matic with only one top adjustment. A local shop closeby, seem like honest guys, well established, quoted $1300 for a bench build, parts included. I may just pull it and go that route if I can't find a good used. Robert

 

The car is a 4 door 88 - drive train is all there . I will see if I can find the serial number tonight and will try calling you . John

 

Most anybody that knows about these old hydra-matics is in their late 60's or 70's. If the guy knows what he is doing and gets good parts, $1,300 for a bench rebuild is a bargain. I just had the one in my 54 rebuilt and it was $2,000 but he had to replace the planetary gear set which was an extra $400. I paid a shop $450 to pull and put it back in and it was worth it. I am very pleased. It is like driving a different car. The guy did not use any Chineseum parts.