Re: Stewart's 1955 Packard 400
Posted by Stewart Ballard On 2015/10/31 18:40:39
An update on my transmission work (this may bore more than a few of you)
Some of you may recall that I made the decision some time ago to go with the 700R4 transmission using the conversion kit from Bendtsen's.
I purchased the conversion kit back in the spring then spent the summer locating a transmission. There are photos below of the components in the kit (not the etching in the second image).
Now I am not a transmission guy and surely never will be so I read everything online that I could find on the 700R4. It didn't take long to discover that not all 700R4 are created equal. To begin with there are two different sizes; one for the smaller V6 and the other for the 4.6 V6 and all V8. This was important as (for instance) the camero could have either one. The conversion kit only works with the large model.
I also learned that while the 700R4 was made primarily from 82 to 92 the early models were to be avoided as they were prone to failure. Those issues were eventually worked out by GM but all the reputable rebuilders in my area told me to find an 87 to 92 model. Several didn't even want to work on the earlier model.
I found a local one w/ a torque convertor on craigslist for $100. The guy said he pulled it from a 1990 camero. The plate from the conversion kit fit but I forgot to check the serial number. The next morning I discovered it was actually a 1984 model. The seller showed no interest in making it right so I was stuck with it.
I couple weeks later a buddy and I went up the local Pull a Part (Louisville) and found a 1992 Caprice and pulled the tranny from that for $56. It was a police car with the MD8 type 700R4. That supposed to be a more heavy duty version of the 700R4.
It will need to be rebuilt but I will worry about that in the spring. Hopefully I can unload the 84 model on craigslist and get most of my money back.
While researching the 700R4 I discovered that the TV cable or knock down cable (that runs to the carburetor) were going to be an issue. I studied a couple at the pull a part while I was there got an idea how I might have to fabricate something. Then just out of curiosity I emailed Bob Bendtsen and asked him about it. After a few emails he sent me some pictures from the Packard he had done. He fabricated a plate that fit under the carburetor and welded some components to the plate that fit the TV cable and the problem was solved. I asked if he had that plate for sale and he said he did and to call the shop and speak to his assistant. I called later that day and he answered the phone. He sent me the plate for free (the pics he sent are at the bottom).
I still need to get the small pieces as seen in the picture but that's not a problem.
All my money this winter is for the engine and my time is on body work.
Attach file:
(106.65 KB)
(88.51 KB)
(144.32 KB)
(103.41 KB)
(188.60 KB)
(123.99 KB)
(104.15 KB)
Some of you may recall that I made the decision some time ago to go with the 700R4 transmission using the conversion kit from Bendtsen's.
I purchased the conversion kit back in the spring then spent the summer locating a transmission. There are photos below of the components in the kit (not the etching in the second image).
Now I am not a transmission guy and surely never will be so I read everything online that I could find on the 700R4. It didn't take long to discover that not all 700R4 are created equal. To begin with there are two different sizes; one for the smaller V6 and the other for the 4.6 V6 and all V8. This was important as (for instance) the camero could have either one. The conversion kit only works with the large model.
I also learned that while the 700R4 was made primarily from 82 to 92 the early models were to be avoided as they were prone to failure. Those issues were eventually worked out by GM but all the reputable rebuilders in my area told me to find an 87 to 92 model. Several didn't even want to work on the earlier model.
I found a local one w/ a torque convertor on craigslist for $100. The guy said he pulled it from a 1990 camero. The plate from the conversion kit fit but I forgot to check the serial number. The next morning I discovered it was actually a 1984 model. The seller showed no interest in making it right so I was stuck with it.
I couple weeks later a buddy and I went up the local Pull a Part (Louisville) and found a 1992 Caprice and pulled the tranny from that for $56. It was a police car with the MD8 type 700R4. That supposed to be a more heavy duty version of the 700R4.
It will need to be rebuilt but I will worry about that in the spring. Hopefully I can unload the 84 model on craigslist and get most of my money back.
While researching the 700R4 I discovered that the TV cable or knock down cable (that runs to the carburetor) were going to be an issue. I studied a couple at the pull a part while I was there got an idea how I might have to fabricate something. Then just out of curiosity I emailed Bob Bendtsen and asked him about it. After a few emails he sent me some pictures from the Packard he had done. He fabricated a plate that fit under the carburetor and welded some components to the plate that fit the TV cable and the problem was solved. I asked if he had that plate for sale and he said he did and to call the shop and speak to his assistant. I called later that day and he answered the phone. He sent me the plate for free (the pics he sent are at the bottom).
I still need to get the small pieces as seen in the picture but that's not a problem.
All my money this winter is for the engine and my time is on body work.
Attach file:
(106.65 KB)
(88.51 KB)
(144.32 KB)
(103.41 KB)
(188.60 KB)
(123.99 KB)
(104.15 KB)
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