Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

A little off topic, but one of my pie in sky projects was to add Electromatic to Chrysler's semi-automatic Fluid Drive transmission...that way the only thing manual about it would to be lifting the gas to shift.. this matchup seems what Studebaker was trying to do with its ill-fated Turbo-Matic

It is an interesting idea. I am curious about how the two systems would work together. IIRC, when you lift the foot on the Chrysler it makes a hydraulic 1-2 shift if in lo range or shifts 3-4 if in high. Since the Electromatic would also release the clutch on a lift of the accelerator would the loss of torque or rpms to the trans affect the hydraulic pressure and disrupt those automatic shifts?

Those were neat transmissions and great for those with mal coordinated hands and feet. Not without interesting quirks though. I remember the story that went around school of a classmates mom plowing into a fence in her 53 or 54 Plymouth with HyDrive. I believe that is the same or a similar trans as the Chrysler Fluid Drive. Story went that while distracted and probably talking to her passenger she started the car. Didn't check gears or push the clutch down while starting the engine. Because of the fluid drive the car didn't jerk or starter protest during the cranking so the engine started nicely and when it did the car moved and the fence didn't.

That's why someone invented the neutral safety switch.

(o[]o)

Please look for new picture in older post

Dell, I cant believe that's the same part
The price works for me, my brother lives in sacramento also and he can pick it up for me on Monday or Tuesday if that works for you send me some contact info and an address. I'm working night shifts right now and probably for awhile so it would be awhile for me to be able to make it up there in the mean time I'm going to be getting list together and see what else you have.

I will be in my toy box on Monday afternoon (to cold in AM) 2355A sutterville bypass. Cell is 539 1516. Please call first!

"...I will be in my toy box on Monday afternoon...."

A great "toybox". When I visited in 2012 these were some of the cars in residence.

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Dell, I wish I could make it up there I would love to see that.
I'm going to pass your info to my brother and I'll have him get ahold of you before he goes.