Pete Phillips Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 A friend sent me this link to an unusual transmission which is currently for sale on Ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=310405121029&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en: It appears to be an early Hydra-Matic but without a torque converter or fluid coupling, which makes it very similar to Buick's rare 1938 Self-Shifter semi-automatic transmission. Tag on side says "Hydro-Stick" and Van Nuys, California and seller says it came out of his grandfather's 1950s hot rod shop. Has anyone ever heard of this Hydro-Stick transmission? I presently have a '38 Buick Special with the Self-Shifter transmission in my garage (belongs to BCA member David Corbin) and it looks a lot like what is in his car, but of course there is no tag from Van Nuys, Calif. Maybe that company remanufactured them?????Can anyone shed some light on this?Pete Phillips, BCA #7338 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RiKi5156B Posted June 5, 2012 Share Posted June 5, 2012 That tranny is an early race only unit. A clutch was used in front instead of a torque convertor. Basically you had the trans in low,clutch in, max rev and pop the clutch. You then shifted as an auto through the gears. Not suitable for your car. Let a rockabilly hick get it. Rich Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexRiv_63 Posted June 5, 2012 Share Posted June 5, 2012 The Hydro - Stick was a race transmission, it made B & M famous and was used on a lot of the early Willys and roadster style gasser dragsters in the late 50s and 60s. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now