bargain ultramatic

Posted by casey rog On 2012/6/15 17:07:00

I picked-up a used 1953 ultramatic at a very reasonable price. I started taking it apart since I wanted to verify that the direct drive and high range clutches were in decent shape. Both the direct drive and high range clutches are in very nice shape, I also saw that the first band (I forgot if it is the reverse or low band, the one that's nearest to the torque converter) had a grooved or ribbed inner bearing surface. I read that in the past that the bearing surface on the original bands was cork. Was that surface also grooved (or ribbed) or was it flat? I'd like to know, since if the grooved surface is evidence that the transmission was rebuilt at one time, I won't take it apart any further. Also, instead of jacking up the car, I am planning on getting a engine hoist and lifting out the engine and transmission as a single unit. Is this a good idea, or bad idea?
Thanks, everyone in advance.