Hello!

I am in the process of having my 71 cutlass supreme repainted. Engine (rocket 350) and transmission (th350) have already been taken off the car by a local mechanic duo. While the professionals will take a look at the engine and torque converter, I have thought about rebuilding the transmission myself.
The engine and transmission had not been removed from the vehicle in at least 20 years, maybe even 30 years. Both of them have been working very well, only some minor(?) annoying oil leaks.
Due to the trans working fine I am not sure wether a full rebuild is necessary but the oil leak should be fixed, so at least new seals to start with.
Though I would prefer not to take the trans / engine off the vehicle anytime soon again, so that is why I have been thinking about full rebuild to prevent problems from occurring in the near future.

I have watched through this series on YT and read other material available online and it seems I could do this with "proper" tools and time.

Tools I have browsed on ebay:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/266861199786 Bushing splitter
https://www.ebay.com/itm/355944968893 Lip seal installer
https://www.ebay.com/itm/353905368049 Transmission Clutch Drum Spring Compressor
https://www.ebay.com/itm/174916837100 Front Pump Alignment Band
https://www.ebay.com/itm/356032619610 Rear Clutch Spring Compressor

From local hardware store I would get (at least) lock ring pliers, transmission assembly lube and bushing driver set.
I can also buy all the replacement parts needed for the trans from the pro shop that takes a look at the torque converter.

These tools add up to pretty high cost when compared to the price of a professional shop just doing it but I think this could be a great learning experience.
I think it would also be possible to just take everything apart by myself and have the pros do the bushing installs etc that need special tools

Thoughts?

Thanks!

 

Also, I should probably add that I have been working on the car for two years now but have never done anything similar to rebuilding a transmission :-)

 

If you had a shop remove the transmission and engine then what are you having them do? Are they just going to re-gasket the engine, or do you want them to hone the cylinders and install new rings?

 

They will re-gasket the engine and paint it to match the original factory gold color that has worn out.
History of the engine is unfortunately now unknown, but I know there has been a cylinder hone job done long time ago. It runs great.