Hi guys;

I am new to the forum and new to Oldsmobile world, but I have many different old cars and I am not afraid to work on them... .and like use them and enjoy them a lot. I live in Queretaro, Mexico.

About a year ago I bought a 1956 Oldsmobile 98 Holiday hardtop (pics attached that I took yesterday, without even washing the car first). I bought it basically as you see it, but abandonded in a warehouse for many years. Anyhow, we got it running, repaired the Bendix brake booster (quite a task), corrected a few details, even some exterior paint here and there, and now I am starting to use the car.

First, let me show you the car and ask that you please tell me whatever you see that may not be correct, as I am still learing and though my goal is never a show car, I do like to have the cars as close to how they left the factory as possible...

 

Anyhow... to my question:

Main doubt is the transmission. Whenever I start the car, cold, and shifting into gear the car will not move... it feels like held by something. If you use the gas pedal, it will move but will have a hard time shifting to the upper gear. You need to rev it a little or go a bit fast.... the car then changes to second.... and same thing for the change to third.... by this time, fourth comes in easily and from then on, the car works really very well. In other words, the transmission appears to be a little reluctant to change at first until forced a bit, but then works great.

Could this be an old or incorrect spec oil in the transmission?

Is the transmission the same as in a 1956 Cadillac?

What is the oil spec for it?

Thanks for any help,
V​​​​ictor

 

Welcome Victor. That's a beautiful Oldsmobile. You can get transmission rebuild parts from Fatsco.

https://www.fatsco.net/

It might be worth it to drain the transmission fluid and replace the filter. Then you can ensure that the transmission is filled with the correct fluid. I'm not sure if the transmission in your Oldsmobile uses Dexron/Mercon III or not. I know some of the early automatics used ATF that was whale oil based. I'm sure others will be able to give you specific brand recommendations from first hand experience.

I believe the transmission also has a throttle valve adjustment that's critical. Make sure you follow the factory service ​​​​​​manual for that adjustment.
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Thanks for the tip on Fatsco, though I certainly hope not to need them. I will start by cleaning filter and changing fluid, just as you suggest, hoping it may solve my small problem.

 

Sounds like your problem may be a mis-adjusted throttle valve linkage.
Although a fluid change is also a good idea . especially if you don't know when it was done last .
Use Dexron III / Mercon fluid in this trans.
This trans is not the same as a '56 Cadillac, but it is similar and some parts may interchange

 

Welcome- that's a very nice car you have there. "Park" tells us that you have a first year Jetaway transmission. If it's running correctly, you won't notice the shift from first to second, or from third to fourth gears. You will feel a "jump' from second to third as the coupler shifts.

 

Thank you, Charlie! I will get that fluid spec and do the change soon.

 

Thank you, Frank! Yes, that is how it feels once it has warmed up a bit. It is reluctant to change only on the initial shifts.... but I hope the fluid change helps.

victor