Automatic Tranmission Adapters: Straight 6 to TH400

[Deleted User]

royer wrote:

I wouldn't rule out replacing a Hydramatic with a modern transmission if mine crapped out. There's just something neat about the old Hydramatic banging through those gears.

Yeah, the Hydramatic does shift great, doesn't it?

[Deleted User]

I would say the trans is extremely positive in it's shifts. If something does happen to it though I will put a modern trans in the car.



Harry

[Deleted User]

I love the hydramatic. Rebuilt the one in my 51 and am now rebuilding two one for my 54 Hollywood and one for my 54 sedan. Kits were $350 each and thats everything you need. Plus I get more practice rebuilding them. Its all clean fun.

Unknown

Sean,



As far as complexity is concerned, how do the old Hyrda-matics compare to a TH-400 for example?

[Deleted User]

Same principles in play. I rebuilt the TH400 in my Buick Riviera and I don't remember it being much diff to rebuild. I think it really helps I have all the original Hudson tools for the Hydramatic. That made it pretty straight forward and advice from Gus Souza who also supplied me with some parts. I have the Hudson manuals plus the GM manuals as well that go into more detail on some parts.



Of course the one diff in the Hydramatic is the fluid coupling instead of torque convertor. But for the cruising I do the tranny performs nicely. One nice thing is one of my trannies is a 54 and it was painted red from factory and I was able to use that as sample to have engine paint mixed for the engines going into my 54 sedan and 54 Hollywood. Bonus....

Unknown

So, aside from the move to a torque converter and aluminum housing, you're saying that the inherent technology didn't change much. Having the right tools, parts and Gus on your side certainly makes things easier. That's cool that your trans had original paint.

[Deleted User]

Ol racer wrote:

FYI

I can vouch for the trans Adapters from both Danny Spring and Randy Maas.



Dany's Adaptor bolts to the Hudson block on one side and drilled & tapped for GM Trans pattern/dowels on the other side. You do need to saw off a little of your dipstick 'nubbin' then drill a different hole to use the Chevy dip stick supplied. The Starter mounts higher like a '55 '56. It accepts either a Hudson Std or Auto flywheel that needs the 'pilot brg hole' enlarged to fit the 'GM' Torque Converter 'hub' plus 3 holes 'indexed' drilled fot the converter Bolts. (The 'Indexing' needs performed at a Machine Shop to be concentric)







Randy's Adaptor uses a Hudson transmision Bell housing 'bored out' by a Machine Shop to fit the GM Trans Front Pump. The GM Trans needs the 'bell' sawed or machined off then the Adapter slips over & bolts onto the GM Trans front pump just like many Drag Race Trans. The trans goes into the Hudson 'bored out Center' then the whole assy bolts to the Hudson Block..Randy offers the Machine Shop service.



Both Adaptors come with all the Hardware & everything needed and both work very well. Ol Racer

Ol Racer,



Do you happen to know how thick the adapter plate from K-gap is? It looks to be 1 inch aluminum. I am building a trans crossmember, and don't have the adapter yet, so was just trying to get a measurement, Thanks.

Ol racer

Dave,

I have that car in winter storage or I would measure it to be sure but I believe it was only 3/4" thick.



I noticed in the new HET Web Site www.HETClub.org/Links-Parts.HTM by scrolling down to Transmissions Randy Maas is now making adapter Plates for GM Turbo Trans.



(I have had no response from K-Gap regarding Adaptors lately)

Chuck

[Deleted User]

Ol racer wrote:

Dave,

I have that car in winter storage or I would measure it to be sure but I believe it was only 3/4" thick.



I noticed in the new HET Web Site www.HETClub.org/Links-Parts.HTM by scrolling down to Transmissions Randy Maas is now making adapter Plates for GM Turbo Trans.



(I have had no response from K-Gap regarding Adaptors lately)

Chuck

Chuck,



I too have had no response from K-Gap regarding the adapter. I have been e-mailing him for some time now, and he asked me what year engine it was for to see if he had one in stock and that was the last I heard from him.