Start in 1st Valve.

[Aussie Hawk]

I'm chasing a 'Start in 1st valve' for my FOM, can anyone point me in the right direction?


Matt
Brisbane
Australia

[buddymander]

Time to try out the search mode. I don't think you can just change valves, but I still have hope. From what I've come to understand, you have to at least change the whole valve body. Personally, I think that's just a rumor started by valve body vendors...

[JDP]

quote:Originally posted by Aussie Hawk

I'm chasing a 'Start in 1st valve' for my FOM, can anyone point me in the right direction?


Matt
Brisbane
Australia

SASCO sold them, I think I sold N8 one, but not sure.

JDP/Maryland

[Roscomacaw]

I've got two of those first gear start valve bodies stashed away. If you study the parts catalog that covers the '56 models, you can come to the conclusion that the ONLY difference between first and second gear start was the elimination of ONE SMALL SPRING to effect 2nd gear start. That is to say that if you could come up with a first gear start spring (and yes, I've tried. there WAS a time when these were in SASCO stocks, but they long ago sold out[V]), add it where it's required, you could have first gear start. And yes, I did check this against FOM tech expert, John Metzker.

I had a 56 Pres years ago that was an early one with 1st gear start. About 16 or 18 years ago, I took possession of a 56 Pres engine and FOM and quickly looked to see if the tranny fell within the early serial number range that would've meant 1st gear start.[:0] It did not.
But if we could find a spring from one of those early units, we might could have some made. That said, I ain't really that anxious to. It doesn't seem to me to be such a big deal when I can just pull the lever down to first and up to D when I'm ready![:I]


1957 Transtar 1/2ton
1963 Cruiser
1960 Larkvertible V8
1958 Provincial wagon
1953 Commander coupe
1957 President two door

[buddymander]

With the first gear start, you can up the ratio in the rearend and cruise the freeway. Hey, it's an AUTOMATIC transmission, right? A spring would be easy enough to find from a different valve body. Do you have any pics?

[Rosstude]

[satdoc2]

I have an NOS 1687309 Valve Body. $275
Allen

[buddymander]

I would have restricted the fluid to the second gear servo to soften the shift.

[buddymander]

Also, I would have installed a higher geared rearend for better mileage.

[Ian Mackellar]

Don't forget the Governor valve is different and needs to be changed (6 cyl.valve bodies/governor valves do the job)

1958 Golden Hawk
1962 GT Hawk
1963 Avanti R2
1963 Avanti Salt Racer

[candbstudebakers]

Ian I guess the price just went up on the one in the shop ha?? will try and get Trent to get it a part and off to you, just been busy as hell getting ready for trip to Minnesota, time goes fast when having fun...Bob

Bob Peterson / C & B Studebakers

Castro Valley, CA
canbstudebakers-

[Johnnywiffer]

Call me a hoarder. I have a pair and a spare. Do they work? Dunno but I got 'em! Ya just never know when ya might run into a FOM that is yearning for one.

Got one of these valve bodies from Bo and 2 from a guy in Idaho or Oregon or somehere out there. I think Dennis wanted $300 or 2 for $500 in Sacramento but I waited until late in the show and he said he had no more. When I called him a month or so later, I think he said $350 ea. I then got my 1st one from Bo for, I think, $275 and my others for about $250 (not really sure on any of the prices, memory being what it is) Imagine, buying just the valve body for what I useta pay for a whole car!

Bo told me I needed to disassemble his and clean it before installation. Guy in the NE said his didn't need it. Personally, I think I'd disassemble/clean any of them before installation just to be sure. If you're gonna do it, be careful, don't lose your balls.[)]

Obviously, tho I've had 'em for a couple of years by now, have not installed any on my LC, tho that is why I got them.

John

[satdoc2]

This is one I bought as an NOS 1st Gear Start. I sold the car I was going use it on.
Allen