Engine: I'm almost done, but torque converter question

[BassMan]

Hello to all. I hope you are well. I love Studebakers so I finally bought the car I wanted. A 1957 Studebaker Silver Hawk . I purchased the car about 6 months ago. I don't have a picture of the car on this computer right now but it will be coming soon. It's a beautiful white and gray. It is not rusted. I spent 45 minutes under the car before I bought it. The body is great. BUT........It was throwing enough water out the right bank to fill up a pool as well as many oil leaks (and low oil pressure). I decided the car was worth fixing so I pulled the engine and transmission out and started working. The pictures are where I am right now. I want to test run the engine before installation---I don't want to have to pull the engine back out because of a problem. But I will pray there are none. ( Note: I want to be sure the cam is broken in properly as well) I will bolt the trans up before I run it. ( the back board is not needed because the rear engine mounts are mounted on the cross member from the car). This brings me to my question: Should I put the torque converter on first and then slide the trans into it, or put the torque converter on the trans and slide it up and bolt it to the flex plate ? I noticed in the manual they use some sort of fixture to align everything( I don't really understand it)---is that necessary ? According to what I have read, you can screw things up if everything is not done correctly. Many of you have done this many times, so I will gladly accept any tips or things to watch out for. I am particularly concerned about the orientation of the splines and gears. As always thanks much--BassMan

[StudeRich]

Support the Rear of the engine with a home made "U" of wood or metal on the sides of the Pan Bolts, Remove the Converter Housing, Mount the Flexplate on the Converter, Bolt the Converter onto the Crankshaft loosely, reinstall the Housing, then install the Trans. and slowly rotate the Engine as you begin snugging up the Engine to Flexplate screws a little at a time, that should center the converter as good as you can without the "Centering" Tool (just a shaft that bolts to the Housing).

I am not focusing on the style of Engine stand you made, so my process MAY be impossible depending on it's Design.

[BassMan]

Thank You StudeRich----Understood. My engine run stand should not stop me from doing as you suggested. I seem to have misplaced my magnetic indicator stand so I am waiting on a new one to be delivered . I will check the bell housing for center as well . Thanks for the good suggestions. BassMan

[jackb]

what a stand !

[Charlie D]

What is the color of the engine? I painted mine Pontiac Light Blue which looks similar.
Charlie D.

[StudeRich]

Good for you Bassman, I see you got the "Real Deal"; a Glass Filter Bowl Genuine Carter Fuel Pump !
If it is re-built with a Ethanol Resistant Rubber Repair Kit, it will be good for 20 Plus years!

[1960Hawk]

where can one buy that repair kit.
is it USA only?

[1960Hawk]

https://www.classiccarbs.com.au/

[BassMan]

Charlie D----Yes, Bill Hirsch Pontiac Light blue. Thanks to all ---BassMan

[Charlie D]

Ditto. I tried the Eastwood Pontiac Light Blue but didn't like it. I'd give it away if someone wants it.

[Buzzard]

Charlie,
There is also available the correct 1957 Packard Turquoise which I purchased from Russ & Sharon at Studebaker Parts.com for my '57 Clipper project.
Bill

[Charlie D]

Bill,
I used the Pontiac Light Blue as a complimentary color according to a search of the web. My '55 Commander Coupe project is a restomod with an Olds engine and A2004R tranny. It is being painted Salmon Pink. It is going to stand out in a crowd for better or for worse. Good luck on your project!
Charlie


.

[tcabman]

Bill,
I used the Pontiac Light Blue as a complimentary color according to a search of the web. My '55 Commander Coupe project is a restomod with an Olds engine and A2004R tranny. It is being painted Salmon Pink. It is going to stand out in a crowd for better or for worse. Good luck on your project!
Charlie


.

For sure I want to see much more of this project !

[Charlie D]

Joseph,
I have been reading some of the threads of individuals as they keep the forum updated on their projects. I restored a '55 President State Sedan a few years ago and posted a lot more pictures, questions, etc. I may start a thread with what has been done so far and after catching up, It would be a follow along as the adventure progresses. This forum is wonderful in that other members can suggest how to approach an issue which is beneficial not only to the individual it is directed to but to others that face the same situation.
Thank you for your kind response,
Charlie D.