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I used to be amazed, but anymore I just shake my head at some of the hack jobs people are paying good money for.

Had a guy call recently that paid a local trans shop 3k to rebuild a 56 Ultramatic. Issue was he could not get the car to shift into direct lock up and car will only go 35-40 mph.

Just for starters Throttle level not adjusted correctly, all bolts and gaskets packed with RTV, wrong bolts crammed into holes, Front Valve Body cracked from twisting on the reverse brake assembly. Reverse Brake Assembly put together backwards, Bushings were shot never replaced, RTV and hardened lock-tight found all throughout valve body, and the pressure screw was turned all the way in. Unfortunately he had to pay again to get it done right and at least is happy he can drive.

I have another one getting ready to ship to Norway and not quite as bad, only missing one clutch disk and plate, and missing spring and back lash washer in output shaft, Torque converter another story.

Converter missing Reactor Thrust Spacer, thus grinding an 1/8" off the bottom of the converter turbine right down to the impellers and galling the front cone. The Converter pump cone completely galled. Have no Idea how this ran let alone making a racket.

Good thing I have spare parts, then off to get it balanced.

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Those kind of hacks are criminal in my mind. The average shop shies away from antique repairs and the car owner takes his chances elsewhere often getting bit as in your case. Seen this many times thru the yrs, mostly w/ engines. These are the reasons many don't get an antique car and hurts the hobby. I believe word of mouth usually is pretty reliable if you consider the source.You've documented much. Does the owner have any recourse?

Oh the Humanity!

Motiv8- unfortunately no, the trans shop gave no warranty. Since this is a show car it is not driven much, it is a trailer Queen, so took a bit to notice the failure when they did take it for a drive.

At least I give a one year one time replacement on the ones I touch.

Having an Ultramatic, Twin or not, rebuilt by a local or chain transmission shop which doesn't understand the significant differences between it and other transmissions is just begging for disappointment and probably a "do-over". Fortunately there are some folks around who truly understand these units and can provide a rebuild which gives excellent performance and longevity.