61 Bonneville Hydramatic
 

I recentley Purchased a 61 Bonneville Bubble Top 389 tripower with a hydramatic Transmission. I believe some of you are familiar with this (Coronado Red Hard Top from Michigan)This winter I will be removing the engine and transmission for a rebuild. This is my first vintage Pontiac and I am not at all familliar with this year(61) hydramatic transmission and any performance upgrades that can be done. I would really appreciate your in put and advice regarding this project.

Best Regards gmil60

Gerry-

I'm familiar with the car you bought. Congratulations on it by the way. I am building a Coronado red 61 Bonn, and your previous owner was super helpful and encouraging to me with several emails. I'm 95% complete. Mine has strayed from orig on many mechanicals including trans - but regarding your question above about the hydramatic - I assume you are going to stick with the extraordinary detail it has to orig?

What are reasons for rebuild on motor / trans?

Scott

Actually - just re-read your post. You asked about performance upgrades. Would you consider tranny swap, or are you thinking period correct upgrades, or ??

61 Bonneville Hydramatic
 

Dear Scott,
The previous owner is a true gentlemen. I purchased this car sight un-seen. Everything the previous owner stated about the car was accurate and Based on several discussions we had I felt comforable and trusted him and my decision.

Now to answere your original question, I have decided to keep the car and drive train all original. The Engine runs fine and the transmission shifts as it should. I decided to rebuild the drive train simply because of seal leaks. Due to old age the waxed rope rear main seal has shrunk and is leaving a pretty good size spot on the garage floor. The transmission is leaking from the hydralic coupler/converter and also leaking from the cooling line plate on the side of the transmission. I would have to remove the engine and trans to service these problems and being the car has 88,000 miles it makes sense to rebuild.

The reason I asked about performance upgrades for the hydramatic, I would like to rebuild the motor to 425A specifications or may consider making it a 421.

I want to state that I am not upset with the gentlemen I purchased the Bonneville from most people, would not even bother addressing these issues however, I am really nutty about oil leaks! Please stay intouch we have a couple of great cars and I'm sure we can be helpfull to each other.
Sincerely Gerry

Gerry: If you plan to farm out the Hydra-Matic rebuild Steve Peluso (member here) in West Roxbury Mass would be where to take it. He prefers to see the tranny in the car.

Gerry,


You can give me a call @ 617-953-5303. I will be happy to assist you. I am in Boston.

There is not much to do to convert to 425-A specs. It is basically calibration changes in the governor and valve body. I have only had to change governors, but you would probably not even notice a difference if you left it alone.They are very good transmissions.

61 Bonneville Hydramatic
 

Dear Steve,
Thank you for supplying your phone # I will give you a call this evening. I would like to get your input regarding this transmission and my overall project.

Dear Bill,
Thanks for your input, as you can see Steve found me. I live in Central CT (Wallingford )
I will probably just drive up to Roxbury in my truck and drop it off. I want to have a total rebuild.
I want to thank both of you for taking the time to help me out. I really appreciate it.

Sincerely Gerry

Gerry,

I was in Wallingford 2 weeks ago @ the Barbarino Pontiac Show (at the Polish Club).

61 Bonniville Hydramatic
 

Steve,
I was their with the Bonniville. My car was right in front of the DJ's tent. I actualy live about 5 minutes from the Polish club, right over the Wallingford line in the town of Durham. Not many people no the town so I alway's say I live in Wallingford. i just got through saying goodnight to the Grandchildren so I am running a bit late, can I give you a call tomorrow?

Sincerely Gerry

61 Bonniville Hydramatic
 

Steve,
I was their with the Bonniville. My car was right in front of the DJ's tent. I actualy live about 5 minutes from the Polish club right over the Wallingford line in a town of Durham. Not many people no the town so I alway's say I live in Wallingford. i just got through saying goodnight to the Grandchildren so I am running a bit late, can I give you a call tomorrow?

Sincerely Gerry

No problem. I'll talk to you tomorrow.

I saw your car and I really liked it.

I had the Corondo Red 1960 Bonneville Convertible with the tripower.

I remember your car, it is beautifull, I have a meeting in NY tomorrow, I will give you a call around 7:pm when I get back to the Hotel, have a good night.
Sincerely Gerry