'62 Starfire Slim Jim

Old June 15th, 2018, 01:26 AM
  #1  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
huggie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 5
'62 Starfire Slim Jim

Hi guys ... Am new to this forum so any help would be appreciated . Just had my Slim Jim overhauled and wondering how important the TV rod is to be set up correctly . My problem is that the trans is not engaging into top gear . I get up to about 60mph at about 4000 rpm and thats about it . I am hoping its the TV rod adjustment as I'm not keen in dropping the transmission again !! Have been back to the guy who overhauled it and he has just wound the TV rod up . Not many trans guys know about these trannies as there are not many Starfires here in NZ . Any help would be appreciated....
huggie is offline  
Old June 15th, 2018, 05:34 AM
  #2  
Moderator
 
Olds64's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Edmond, OK
Posts: 15,853
Originally Posted by huggie
Just had my Slim Jim overhauled and wondering how important the TV rod is to be set up correctly
This setting is essential. If the TV rod isn't adjusted correctly the transmission won't shift right.

I suggest you take the car back to the guy that rebuilt your Slim Jim and tell him he needs to make it right or give you a discount. Slim Jims are definitely odd beasts, if someone says they can rebuild one they better know what they're getting into.
Olds64 is offline  
Old June 15th, 2018, 05:59 AM
  #3  
Registered User
 
Oldskeeper's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Bradford, Ontario
Posts: 782
What Olds64 said, the settings can make or break the transmission.
Next week I'll be making the 2 setting tools for the TV rod linkage settings.
Check the manual for the setting dimensions and only move the adjustments a half turn at a time.
Steve
JASWEST
Oldskeeper is offline  
Old June 15th, 2018, 06:09 AM
  #4  
Registered User
 
OLDSter Ralph's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: St. Paul Minnesota
Posts: 4,000
What years was this transmission used in Oldsmobiles ?
OLDSter Ralph is offline  
Old June 15th, 2018, 06:44 AM
  #5  
Phantom Phixer
 
Charlie Jones's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Apopka, FL
Posts: 4,659
Originally Posted by OLDSter Ralph
What years was this transmission used in Oldsmobiles ?
1961 thru 1964 only , thank God !
Charlie Jones is offline  
Old June 15th, 2018, 07:00 AM
  #6  
Proud Viet Nam Veteran
 
redoldsman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Rowlett, TX
Posts: 9,923
There are not a heck of a lot of people in the US that can rebuild a slim jim. If you have one in NZ it would be a miracle. Good luck with your transmission.
redoldsman is offline  
Old June 15th, 2018, 07:14 AM
  #7  
Registered User
 
Tedd Thompson's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Forest Ranch Ca.
Posts: 7,713
Here is some reading material for you, doubtful this will fix your problem but might give you a idea on where to start.

The Slim Jim is the reason I don't have a early sixties Oldsmobile.... Tedd......http://forums.aaca.org/topic/54478-s...justment-help/
Tedd Thompson is offline  
Old June 15th, 2018, 07:19 AM
  #8  
Moderator
 
Olds64's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Edmond, OK
Posts: 15,853
I had a 64 98 years ago and the Slim Jim was the worst part of the car. I would like to get another 64 98 or even a 64 Starfire, but the Slim Jim would have to go. Then again, would I really want to adulterate a Starfire with aftermarket parts? Hmmm...

Good luck with your Olds. Let us know what you figure out.
Olds64 is offline  
Old June 15th, 2018, 09:42 AM
  #9  
Registered User
 
coldwar's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: USA Ohio
Posts: 708
You guys are making the rebuild of one of these out as witchcraft, which it is not. Any transmission man or mechanic of any real experience willing to try can get one right on the first try, these were built on a timed assembly line. Any and all better quality then original hard and soft parts are available. It's not my first choice for a modern automatic transmission either, but they work fine and give good service without teenagers driving them today as used cars with neutral drops and rollbacks, which is how this old reputation developed.

One word of advice: Once it is rebuilt and driving, shorten the TV rod a turn at a time until the up shifts are definitely high enough in observed rpm, you cannot let one of these up shift too quickly in the name of smoothness.

Last edited by coldwar; June 15th, 2018 at 09:44 AM. Reason: spelling
coldwar is online now  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Oldpac62
Transmission
10
September 14th, 2018 10:10 PM
olwreckman
Transmission
6
July 29th, 2016 07:49 AM
mcc8
Transmission
14
January 23rd, 2015 11:03 AM
70 ctls
Transmission
4
November 24th, 2010 06:12 PM
tpawlik
Transmission
3
September 27th, 2010 07:02 AM


Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Quick Reply: '62 Starfire Slim Jim



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 02:39 PM.