The Hydra-matic transmission in my 55 has a little trouble shifting from second to third gear. Other shifts are ok, even smooth. My mechanic (not a transmission expert by his own admission) thinks it needs a band adjustment. A casual observer who approached me in a parking lot to tell me how cool the car was, once traded off his vintage Oldsmobile due to rough shifting. Only after trading he discovered that there was a disconnected vacuum hose that was supposed to be attached to the tranny. The new owner hooked it back up and went on his way. Is there such a vacuum hose on the 55 Super 88?

 

Hydramatics do not use vacuum modulators. Shifting is controlled by the throttle control valve. The 2-3 shift in this transmission has the most going on as all 4 friction elements change states. Incorrect band adjustment can cause a flare or overly firm shift. Fluid level, throttle lever adjustment and band adjustment are the best places to start.

 

Thank you. I’ll stop looking for a vacuum line. I think I might have an “old timer” tranny guy in a neighboring town. Sounds like it’s time for a short road trip.

 

You might try the long rod going from the carb linkage to the transmission. This adjusts the duration and shift location. Just a little out of adjustment will cause all kinds of shift problems, from not shifting at the correct time to skipping a gear altogether. If you try adjusting at this rod, go very slow as a little goes a long way, and you might use a felt pen to mark where you start, so you can find your way back should you get lost... Tedd

 

I’ll give that a try. Could save me some money. What do you think? Make it longer or shorter to start?

 

I could only guess, You must be pretty close as it sounds like you are only having issues in the mid shifts. Second to third is the troublesome(rough) shift when everything is set up correctly on many slant pan cars but trying an adjustment is a safe thing to do as long as you don't get over ambitious with it. 1/8 turn is what I would do and test with each adjustment....Tedd