[b-man]

So what's the consensus on the reliability and parts availability (slim to none is my guess) for the Hydra-Matic trans?

Did they have a good reputation back in their day?

Good core for a '59 Pontiac owner?

Boat anchor?

[HWYSTR455]

Pretty sure parts are available, you can hunt Hemming's, or call Egge.

http://egge.com/

There's a couple other vendors that specialize in pre-'64 cars too, can shop them, like Kanter.

Edit: Here you go:

http://www.autotran.us/#P


.

[MarkS57]

Originally Posted by b-man

So what's the consensus on the reliability and parts availability (slim to none is my guess) for the Hydra-Matic trans?

Did they have a good reputation back in their day?

Good core for a '59 Pontiac owner?

Boat anchor?

Looks like a dual coupling 4 speed, but maybe an older version than the one in my 62 Bonneville- the first engine / transmission I ever pulled from a car in the early 70's. I seem to remember the 62 being more aluminum but it was so long ago. In any event, if it is, first gear was really low on it and the 1st to 2nd shift, almost seemless. Back in the day, there were transmission guys around that could make these things shift but with TH400's all around & cheap, that knowledge is probably long lost now. In its 145K life in my car, it was rebuilt once, and that was because it was skipping gears, not that it totally blew up. I like it in the Bonne with the punched out 389.

BR's,

Mark

[Ben M.]

Originally Posted by b-man

So what's the consensus on the reliability and parts availability (slim to none is my guess) for the Hydra-Matic trans?

Did they have a good reputation back in their day?

I've talked to a few 50's Pontiac guys and that transmission was decently reliable in moving these cars compared to the Slim Jim and others. It wasn't a powerhouse and weighs a ton. Biggest concern is like anything else in the pre-TH350\400 days is finding anyone who knows how to make them work if there's something wrong with it. I'm sure a smart and dedicated person with the factory service book and right tools could make it happen though.

[59safaricat]

These dual coupling 4 speeds are fantastic if you can find someone to rebuild it that really knows 'em well. Make sure they take a good look at the coupling cover for cracks. That pretty much their only weak point.

First gear is a monster low 3.97. Even the 2.55 second gear is steeper than 1st in most 3 speed autos. The transmission is "locked up" once in second gear and uses a unique split torque design that's incredibly efficient. Believe it or not, dual band/dual couplings were the most efficient automatic transmissions around until lockup torque converter trannys became common in the 1980's.