Re: MiklDry's '56 Executive Pricilla

Posted by Dan White On 2007/5/22 9:00:48

It is time for an up-date. First I can not thank you guys enough. We've got some brilliant bas***ds here. Hate to think how many of these old cars would be scrapped if we could not communicate our hair-brained ideas.
After much pain and contortions, I got her up on jack stands in my garage.
Symptoms:
Push buttons have no effect.
Coolant just streams out.
A steady drain of Trany fliud.

I have removed the radiator and am having a new one built. This one will be aluminum, incorporate a seven vane transmission cooler and flow about 3200 CFM. Putting in a 16 inch electric fan thermostatically controlled and has a shroud. That should stop leak as well as do a better job of cooling and prolong life of both engine and Ultramatic!

Next I have to remove the Actuator and ship it off to Mr. Pushbutton. I have to admit this sounds over my head, but a mans gotta do?.

Now for the pencil lead sized flow of trany fluid. This comes down from a screw head in a small plate on the bottom of the converter cover. I am told this might be a blown front gasket. This will be a joyous surprise I have yet to enjoy!

I have a friend that will tow the car up to his building ( approx 30 miles). There we will put her on the lift to jack the trany to the side for the ?Actuator-ectomy?!

While the car is in the air, I'll try to clean as much as possible under there. I did find that the trany pan was put on with what looks like black jelly that is oosing down the sides. So I'll drain and drop that and at the very least put on a new gasket. I'll have to run new lines to the radiator but that is not a scary as putting a jack between the frame and the drive train.

I will have to remove the fan blades and I am going to put on new belts. From the look of the hatchet job that was done on the wiring, I guess that I should plan on re-wiring what I can get to.

Might as well take the chance to drain and drop the oil pan to check on the oil pump. I did score a dual action fuel pump from the Hudson version of this engine.

Hey guys, if I use this pump and attach the vacuum lines to it, what do I have to do in respect to the Oil pump? Remember I am a non-mechanic so be gentle! Optimum would be to put in the pump conversion to Olds pump and full flow (see Panther Project). Any suggestions on a possible Dry Sump?
Any ideas on fund raising to pay for some of this crap?

Well, One step at a time!