I have recently encountered an issue with it that I need help on. Not sure if this is where I start but here it goes....

Im pretty sure the trans is gone on it. It has a 394 rocket with a 3 speed hydramatic transmission. Does anyone know what other transmissions are compatible with the 394 (the 3 speed hydramatic isnt easy to find and I have searched A LOT) the rebuild price is thru the roof IF they will even do it and several places wont touch it. (Note; the reverse gear is at the bottom of the gear selector, not next to park like other vehicles)...any help on how to solve this would be greatly appreciated. I'm not a gear head, just an old school mechanic who loves cars. It means WAY too much to me to let sit but im retired and on a fixed/limited income. I want the car to run and drive again and not just sit in the garage waiting for more issues to occur.

THANKS IN ADVANCE!

 

You'll spend as much or more converting another trans to work with the 394 as you would repairing the Slim Jim. You have one of the best HMT guys around down in South Elgin. Look up Tom Kasper, A-1 Automotive.

 

Might call and see if he's got an exchange - that's about an 90 mile trip - one way!
My son is close to him - 45 from down here!

 

I don't no much about it, but Most engines will mount up to most trans with the right adapter plate. Check for the trans you want and get the adapter.
That's how I would do it.

 

OF course another option is to get the parts and a trans book and do it yourself. Might give you a second income rebuilding hydros.

 

Pointe Automatic Transmission. 586-776-7300, Michigan
i hear they do great work on vintage automatic transmissions. i have no experience with them other than i have a damper plate ordered from them for my 62 Jetfire.

 

I have two,the hydra-matic and the jetaway hydra-matic. Your choice for $300. I can send you some pictures if you like.

 

I been racking my mind over this. and there is one thing that i think you can try. you would have to drop the pan. and look at the 5 oil tubes that run from the valve body to the frount pump there about a foot long. and make sure none of them have come out of the valve body. if any have come out youll see the ruber o ring where it slips into the vb if one or two is out slide it back into vb. and order a tube saver, from a transmission supply, like oklahoma transmission supply in okc. they use to carry them in stock. the tubes are real bad about blowing out. the spot weld at the frount brakes tubes slip out and then an unhonest mechanic gets an overhaul for a $2.00 tube saver its worth a look.