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

Thanks Ross! My car doesn't have much power in reverse either, like JEW. I wonder if that is the band not being properly adjusted as well. I know the guy who installed the trans didn't know what he was doing. If I get a break in the weather before winter, I'll try to get the car out of it's ditch so I can try it. I'll probably start a new thread when I realize I don't know what the adjuster screw looks like!

It is good to have a knowledgeable person respond to the questions with some expertise. Thanks Ross.

Can it really be as simple as adjusting a band? I have rebuilt many motors in my life but transmissions have always scared me. I'll have to look through the manuals and see if there is a easy way to adjust the bands I guess.

It would make sense since you are only having trouble with low and reverse. Those are the only ones that use bands. Might just be the solution to my problem too. Good luck!

reading all this stuff makes me really happy i am going to try to rebuild my trans myself.

What about this guy?-->http://www.ultramaticdynamics.com/

i have been in contact with this person before, not really nice at the time, maybe he was having an off day, idk.

i am also trying to save some money.

I'm glad i checked back in this thread! I'm going to have my motor out, so i'll yank the tranny, check the seals and adjust the bands, etc. and fill it properly. I'm betting with a low range band adjustment, correct fluid level and some new gaskets, mine will go like new.

heres hoping right? Now to see how it does behind that 4 barrel 327 with a new carter carb....

Fred Puhn and/or JEW...Any luck getting your transmissions in working order? Just curious. I have not had a chance to try adjusting my bands yet (or get the car out of the rut it's in). Other cars have needed my attention.

On a local reference I took the Packard to a local shop in the town of Lakeside. Two very experienced guys work there and they have lots of old cars in work. They first pulled the pan and found bits of band lining in the oil. Then they pulled the transmission out and showed me all sorts of problems with the worn clutch facings and the crumbling bands. They got the parts, assembled everything, and put it back together last Friday. They said the car worked fine except for the darn problem I started with, not releasing the clutches when slowing to a stop. They were going to fix either the governor or the valve body they said. More news to come. I will give you the name of the shop after I drive the car and get the final bill. So far they appear quite good and honest.