1963 Transmission Trouble

[John Cason Fudala]

I recently purchased a 1963 Coupe deVille. The transmission will only shift 1st to 3rd. I put the car on a lift and drained the pan and torus. I removed the shift valve body and coupling valve body, cleaned the pistons and bores, replaced the filter and fluid and adjusted the TV rod per spec. No change in the way it shifts. I have read that the aluminum cover on the fluid coupling is prone to cracking which will also cause the trouble I am having. I feel a rebuild is is in my future. Other than Gene's transmission in California, can anyone recommend a shop on the east coast? I live in Virginia Beach, VA. John. 

[Ray Schick]

Hey John , go to the Cadillac / Lasalle  Club site and post your question . Im sure somebody can help you find a Trans guy by your area, Good Luck. Ray 

[Josh Snow]

John, did you happen to find any other shops or what was wrong? My transmission is doing the same.

I called Gene and talked to him for an hour. He is near genius but just a little more than I wanted to pay.

[John Cason Fudala]

Josh, I live in Virginia Beach Virginia and finally found a shop in my area to overhaul my transmission The shop is CarLife Transmissions in Norfolk Virginia. The owners name is Fred Kent and he is very knowledgeable. Before I could tell him what steps I had taken to correct the problem he told me exactly what was wrong. I had already researched the problem and knew that the secondary fluid coupling was leaking. The only way to correct it is to pull the tranny. I dropped off my car at the shop 2 weeks ago and and am expecting it back any day now. He quoted me $3980 (must be the going rate for a Jetaway) for the overhaul and had every part needed for the rebuild. That price included removal and installation. Yes, I know it is quite a bit but at least I know it will be done right.

[Josh Snow]

Thanks for the info John. BTW, I love VA Beach...I was stationed at Langley AFB for 4 years. That's my old stomping ground!!