Transmission / Overdrive: Rebuilding a 61 Lark Flightomatic transmission.

[drnittler]

I have an extra 61 Lark Flightomatic transmission. I would like to rebuild it for a spare. However I never tackled an automatic before, so I need suggestions on places to find rebuild parts and some guides for a beginner to rebuild it. I do have the shop manual, but it assumes that a person has basic knowledge. Thanks for the help.

[64V-K7]

Here are a few more tidbits

http://www.studebaker-info.org/rjtechoct2014p2.html#Transmissions

[r1lark]

I rebuilt the auto tranny for my '62 GT. There are some special tools you will either need or have to construct reasonable facsimiles of. The toughest part is getting the old bushings out and the new bushings in without buggering anything up. The bushings are easy if you have a small lathe and can make some pushers out of bar stock. Or, you can use sockets and such but be very careful that you don't damage the ends of the bushings.

Check on Bob Johnstone's site, there are some good articles on there, including some from older Turning Wheels, on auto trans rebuilding.

As far as parts, I had a great experience with Fatsco.

[jackb]

David: Some things are best left at a professional shop.....get referrals from Stude guys....

[T.J lavallee]

My late brother was an automatic tranny specialist with his own shop in Chico, Ca. He tried to explain to me how a unit functioned and opened up a 59' Ford-O-Matic for a tutorial. Being somewhat mechanically inclined I watched and listened intently and came to the conclusion that I wouldn't attempt to repair one. Some jobs should be left to a specialist. I miss him.

[BILT4ME]

I will do anything on a car or truck except body and paint......and automatic transmissions.

[wolfie]

If you choose to do the work yourself everything wants to be extremely clean when you reassemble. Like others have already said this is a job I always left to the pros. Steve

[Kurt]

Don't let them scare you.... I rebuilt one a few years ago and it is still working fine.

The special tools can be made, borrowed, or bought. Follow the shop manual to the letter and TAKE YOUR TIME. If you have basic mechanical skills and don't get "flustered" easily you will be fine.

[StudeRich]

David, just one thing I would caution you about, be sure BEFORE you invest time and money into this "Flight-O-Matic" Trans.

Find out for sure from the Nameplate and any other info you have available as to what this IS or what it originally came out of.

I remember your rear end collision Car very well, but I have forgotten if it's a Lark VI or Lark VIII.
I think the former, so if it IS a Six, with a Low Gear Start and the "replacement" is the much more common V8 Trans. it will be a 2nd. Gear Start and you definitely do NOT want that in a 6 cyl.

[drnittler]

I used to have a beginner's tape on how to rebuild an automatic transmission. I wish I still had it. Thanks

[SN-60]

I'm definitely with the "leave it to a pro" folks....but just make sure you find the right pro!!

[drnittler]

Probably will. Thanks

[SN-60]

An afterthought,......It's not that someone competent with tools can't handle a Flightomatic rebuild at home, (assuming they've never done one)....The problem is that, unlike a carburetor, if something ISN'T done just right during the trans rebuild it sure is a hell of a lot of work to take that tranny back out of the car to fix it!...I'll stick with overhauling carbs....they're MUCH easier to R&R!! (and much LIGHTER too!)