need help on '61 Dynaflow Turbine transmission

[our_age]

Hi,

we are the new owners of a '61 Buick Invicta Custom. The car does not move with the transmission in L but drives in D. We would like to find out about a good source (and appropriate price) for a rebuilt kit, including the steel parts.

Thanks in advance, Claudia

PS: there is a picture in the attachment.

[Guest 70 Electra]

Hi, and welcome! Is that a FOUR door Invicta Custom? They are very rare and I can't say when I last saw one. I find it interesting that the 1961 4dr Custom used a genuine leather (bench) seat, whereas the Custom 2dr coupe used vinyl buckets (that appeared similar to 1960 Buick Invicta Custom's LEATHER buckets).

Sorry to say I don't have much in the way of advice on the tranny...just a few thoughts. I'm assuming you checked the fluid (they commonly leak....badly!). If I recall correctly, selecting manual "low" applied a low band and thus changed the gear ratio in the tranny. Normal "drive" does not apply this low band. Therefore it seems possible that a band anchor pin could have broken or fallen out, or the servo that applies the band is inoperative.

In the case of the latter, I would think it could be repaired IN the car. I would advise taking the time to find a knowledgeable Dynaflow mechanic and if possible see if it can be repaired in-the-car. Once it's removed and disassembled you face a whole new set of risks! (At least removing it on a 61, you won't have to fool with a torque tube!)

Good luck. I hope you'll post more pictures of this interesting car.

[our_age]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hi, and welcome! Is that a FOUR door Invicta Custom? They are very rare and I can't say when I last saw one. I find it interesting that the 1961 4dr Custom used a genuine leather (bench) seat, whereas the Custom 2dr coupe used vinyl buckets (that appeared similar to 1960 Buick Invicta Custom's LEATHER buckets).</div></div>

Thanks for the welcome.

Yes, it is 4door, and yes, it has leather benches (although the front is badly cracked on the driver's side). Although it is missing a few chrome knobs and other small things in the interior, it is surprisingly intact. The exterior, though is another matter We just got it two weeks ago and are still working to get the "yuck factor" out, but it is registered and running.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sorry to say I don't have much in the way of advice on the tranny...just a few thoughts. I'm assuming you checked the fluid (they commonly leak....badly!). If I recall correctly, selecting manual "low" applied a low band and thus changed the gear ratio in the tranny. Normal "drive" does not apply this low band. Therefore it seems possible that a band anchor pin could have broken or fallen out, or the servo that applies the band is inoperative.

In the case of the latter, I would think it could be repaired IN the car. I would advise taking the time to find a knowledgeable Dynaflow mechanic and if possible see if it can be repaired in-the-car. Once it's removed and disassembled you face a whole new set of risks! (At least removing it on a 61, you won't have to fool with a torque tube!)</div></div>

We are looking for rebuild instructions or other manuals pertinent to this car, so if anybody can help (copies would do), we'd appreciate it. We have FSMs for Body and Chassis coming, but couldn't find anything on Engine, nor a Haynes or Chilton's

Any help/comments are appreciated.

[Guest imported_Thriller]

I'd like to say welcome as well...despite having a '61, I can't help you...other than clean mine up a bit and buy a few spare parts, I haven't really done anything with mine - it is in line patiently awaiting restoration.

[Mrbuick714]

The Buick club here in Omaha meets every Thursday at 8 AM for coffee "Hi Vee" 90th& Center. We could get you the parts,and would like to meet you!

[our_age]

Thanks for the info on the meeting place, we'll try to be there Thursday. We won't be able to bring the Buick anytime soon (but possibly pictures), we are wire-wheeling the inside right now.