Transmission / Overdrive: Rebuild Cost

[ColoradoHawk]

Many years ago when my dad was having troubles with the Powershift transmission in his ‘64 GT Hawk, he had it replaced with a regular Flightomatic. I was wondering, what would be the expected cost to have his original Powershift rebuilt and, can it be taken to any professional transmission rebuilder to do the job?

[StudeRich]

If you can find a Shop that has been around long enough to have worked on '50's & '60's Cast Iron Case Borg Warner Ford-O-Matics, Merc-O-Matics, Flash-O-Matics (AMC) etc. they should have no problem, just avoid the 'Chain Stores" Amco etc.

The bigger problem may be the Linkage, do you have all the old Floor Shift Parts now that it is a Column shift with a reverse shift pattern?

[bezhawk]

As long as all the power shift specific parts are used during the rebuild, I have seen the taken to the "chain store" places, and parts mixed and replaced, and then they never functioned as they should, there are apply pistons to the clutches that are different in the check valves, the bands are different, and of course the shift quadrant and corresponding valve body. Also the governor calibration.

[mch]

just last year I had my transmission and torque converter rebuilt for my 64 GT Hawk that probably cost $3750 if not mistaken. The trans shop here in NJ is 3rd generation and has a long waiting list especially for classics. The wait and cost was well worth it.
Mark

[StudeRich]

Sorry, but it's not Worth THAT much if they Gold plated it! $2000.00 with a re-built Torque converter, should more than cover it.

[Alan]

Or you can do it yourself and spend less than $500

[Jiles]

Back in the 60s & 70s, I professionally rebuilt all of the models listed.
Worked for three independent garages and two dealerships and was service manager for Aamco.
Don't think I could remember all the details today.
One thing is for sure.--would cost a lot more to rebuild todays computer controlled transmissions, with all the special tools needed.
I would have to be desperate to pay much over one thousand, but my situation is different.

[Jeffry Cassel]

Mine cost about $400 parts and labor . $3750 seems just a tad steep!!!

[Steve Winzar]

Many years ago when my dad was having troubles with the Powershift transmission in his ‘64 GT Hawk, he had it replaced with a regular Flightomatic. I was wondering, what would be the expected cost to have his original Powershift rebuilt and, can it be taken to any professional transmission rebuilder to do the job?

Hi ColoradoHawk- Check this blog http://studebakerflightomatic.blogspot.com.au
I have rebuilt my trans and put new O rings, gaskets and a couple of bushes through it. If your transmission has worked up to now, that's probably all you need.
Steve

[63 R2 Hawk]

Call Mike at Inglewood Transmissions in Fullerton, CA. He can probably refer you to a reputable shop in CO. Mike used to build Powershift transmissions for racing "back in the day". He built the Allison trans in my truck about 5 years ago and it is better than new. Cost me a trip to Disneyland and a set of mouse ears for my DW.....

[bezhawk]

Fatsco rebuild kit, $60, for the seals, new Alto Red Eagle clutches and Kolene steels , for about $115. Relind kevlar carbon metallic bands, $25 ea my cost. B&M 34 element sprag about $110. Rebuilt torque converter $120. Once done, it will withstand 600bhp using these parts.

[tsenecal]

The final bill on my Flightomatic was around $1000, but was a full rebuild, and included installing a new ring gear and testing the convertor. The builder claimed that with the modern clutches, I could run modern ATF, including synthetics.

[PackardV8]

just last year I had my transmission and torque converter rebuilt for my 64 GT Hawk that probably cost $3750 if not mistaken. The trans shop here in NJ is 3rd generation and has a long waiting list especially for classics. The wait and cost was well worth it. Mark

The final bill on my Flightomatic was around $1000, but was a full rebuild, and included installing a new ring gear and testing the convertor.

Fatsco rebuild kit, $60, for the seals, new Alto Red Eagle clutches and Kolene steels , for about $115. Relined kevlar carbon metallic bands, $25 ea my cost. B&M 34 element sprag about $110. Rebuilt torque converter $120. (approx $500 total - jv)

Important when comparing shop transmission rebuild costs; there are the removal, installation, road test, adjustment and warranty costs separate from a carry-in-carry-out bench rebuild and certainly separate from a DIY parts cost.

jack vines

[tsenecal]

That's a good point. Mine was carry in for rebuild, but it was dyno tested.

[jts359]

I haven't rebuilt one several years , But all you need is a good arbor press and a very good variety of snap ring pliers , I didn't do the converters , I had them done , and the shop manual , Ed