THE 1963 THUNDERBIRD ITALIEN


Chapter 18 - REBUILDING THE TRANSMISSION

Copyright © Thomas Maruska 2008
All Rights Reserved


The next step is in familiar territory.
Cruise-o-matic land.
This is the third one I've completely rebuilt.
They are actually a pretty simple transmission to rebuild
ans you can do it with the tools you probably have.
The only thing that would make it a little easier is a small shop press
for disassembling and reassembling the clutches.
I've managed to do it with a couple of "C" clamps
but a press would make it easier.
The shop manual is a must too as it gives you step by step
instructions on the order of disassembly and reassembly.
FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS!!!

First thing you have to do is to get the transmission out of the car.
Since I was taking everything apart anyway,
I removed the engine and transmission as a unit.

Then of course seperate the transmission from the engine
and take the torque converter off the engine.

In checking the numbers cast on the body of the transmission
and on the tag attached I was able to tell that this is the correct transmission
for the car and most likely the orignall installed unit.
The C1AP 7006B tells me that it is a 1961 Ford transmission.
The date "1F5" says it was manufactured on June 5, 1961.
The PCE-J says it is a 3 speed transmission for a 390 4V car.

Wnen you get the transmission on the workbench you need to roll it over on it's back.
Don't roll it over on the shift lever side, roll it the other way.
Over the years all the paint had fallen off the Italien's oil pan
and exposed a date stamping of JUNE 23 1961

Next remove the oil pan.
Once you get that off, look at all the fun you're gonna have!
 

Here are a couple of parts disassembled,


and here is the rebuilt tranny




                                                                             Back to Italien Index                                         Continue with Chapter 19
Contact Tom Maruska                         Back to TOM MARUSKA CARS                                    Rebuilding the Engine