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#1
09-16-2011, 09:18 PM
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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 |
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#2
10-09-2011, 09:21 AM
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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 |
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#3
10-09-2011, 09:32 AM
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Actually - just re-read your post. You asked about performance upgrades. Would you consider tranny swap, or are you thinking period correct upgrades, or ??
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#4
10-09-2011, 11:11 AM
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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 |
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#5
10-09-2011, 11:29 AM
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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.
__________________
My Pontiac is a '57 GMC with its original 347" Pontiac V8 and dual-range Hydra-Matic. |
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#6
10-09-2011, 12:23 PM
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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.
__________________
The difference between inlaws and outlaws? Outlaws are wanted |
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#7
10-09-2011, 04:57 PM
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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 |
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#8
10-09-2011, 08:03 PM
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Gerry,
I was in Wallingford 2 weeks ago @ the Barbarino Pontiac Show (at the Polish Club).
__________________
The difference between inlaws and outlaws? Outlaws are wanted |
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#9
10-09-2011, 08:57 PM
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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 |
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#10
10-09-2011, 08:59 PM
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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 |
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#11
10-09-2011, 09:08 PM
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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.
__________________
The difference between inlaws and outlaws? Outlaws are wanted |
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#12
10-09-2011, 09:14 PM
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I remember your car, it is beautifull, I have a meeting in NY tomorrow, I will give you a call around 7
 m when I get back to the Hotel, have a good night.Sincerely Gerry |
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