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Dynaflows


RivNut

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A friend of mine here in town just bought a 1960 Electra “flat top” think Bernie.  He thinks he needs a trans missio. Another local Riviera owner has a trans from a 63 Riviera.  The ‘60 has a torque tube; the ‘63 has an open drive shaft.  Question: Are the transmissions compatible by changing out the rear tail-shafts?

TIA, Ed

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I don't know the specifics of the interchange but I can remember a lot of similar ideas that went down the toilet in a hurry.

 

When I was at the point of rebuilding the Dynaflow last year I would not have given the idea a second thought. Without knowing the history of the car or the transmission I do know the car is 61 years old and the transmission is 58. Low mileage means a lot of time sitting around with dry seals. High mileage could mean wear in the bushings that keep the seals aligned. Either way the best move is to rebuild the proper one that is in the car.

 

I took my car out for coffee and a couple of errands this morning. It had been sitting for the last four days. One pump and it started. And I dropped it into Drive with no lag. It was a year ago Easter week my transmission was rebuilt. Couldn't be happier. The shop kept it a week and the cost was $2400 total. I had expected closer to $3500.

 

Ten years ago I had replaced the U-joint in the torque tube. They are rarely serviced and another 60+ year old part - while you are in there.

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RR7.jpg.fe0af5f5aacfea9f9aa7db4b7c7bf76a.jpg

 

Depending on a person's luck that joint could break and jam the driveshaft. Years ago a Forum member had a twisted output shaft spline and could not separate the torque tube from the transmission. This may have been what happened. I would advise checking this when a '60 or similar torque is pulled back.

 

Edited by 60FlatTop (see edit history)
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4 hours ago, lrlforfun said:

ED: NO!  57-60 seems to be the interchange.  Having a spare or two is not a bad idea if the local trans shop needs parts.  Mitch

In 57, the bellhousing diameter became smaller. In 1961, Buick dropped the torque tube.  I can see the reason for dates for interchange but is the interchange data base only on those facts?  Or is the 61 - 63 transmission the same as the pre 61 unit?  

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