1964 coupe ATF fluid and brand preference

[joe duran]

Hello all, my Dads car was sitting for extended time (at least 20 years) until I was given ownership. All or most of the ATF emptied out over time... I am on the verge of finally starting it up after some wear and tear repairs. Can anyone tell me how I would know when trans if near full without starting engine, as I don't want to start engine until I am sure.. and I'm hopping seal will soften and reseat itself as it warms up. Thanks in advance.

Joe D.

[Anders]

The 1964 Coupe was delivered as Series 62 or DeVille.

Series 62 had Hydra-Matic. DeVille had Turbo Hydra-Matic.

Here is the procedure for Hydra-Matic:

Here is the procedure for the Turbo Hydra-Matic:

Suggest you buy a Shop manual.

[joe duran]

Thank you so much, great instructions.

[Anders]

You should change the gaskets and filter before refilling. A "seal" will not soften and reseat itself.

A good oil should be ATF Type A.

GULFPRIDE MULTI-PURPOSE ATF

[joe duran]

Thanks so much Anders. can immobility be the cause of ATF loss? Does this commonly happen in storage for extended periods?

[Anders]

There could be many reasons for loss of fluid. 20 years will wear on the car as well. Maybe if stored in a nitrogen controlled space the wear would be less.

Anyways, the loss is because the gaskets are most likely leaking. The seal at rear end of the gear box, where the slip yoke for the propeller shaft is fitted, could also leak. There is a possibility to fit two seals in there to avoid any future leakage.

Remove the oil pan and clean it out. There will be some old stuff there and you need it removed. Fit a new filter and gaskets. Replace the rear seal and fill oil as per above instructions. By doing this you will lower the risk of damage. Then there could be other issues, but doing this is a cheap insurance.

[joe duran]

Great, Thanks again!

Joe D. 

[joe duran]

Hey Anders, Thank you so much for your efforts. I would also imagine that the actual number stamp is extremely important in ordering the right part, as engines and transmissions as well could have been swapped out or replaced since '64, which can really throw things off. I now know from the info you have kindly provided at least sets me on the rite path. According to the firewall plate and the driver door placard, I now know the body is at least a coupe de ville. I now have to locate the actual engine and transmission embossment to 100% confirm what exist. Many Thanks, again.

Joe D

[Tony and Ginny 429]

Joe
You final trans fluid level reading ( on the dip stick )must be done with the car at operating temp and engine running
If the fluid level is a few quarts low the trans will not shift as it should
Do be careful not to over fill the trans

A trans leak may have existed when the car was partked long ago
It is a common practice with antique cars to run and drive ( if and when you can ) your car once a month to keep all seals fresh and the car parts lubed
That would be for future reference once back on the road


Congradulations and much good luck getting the car back in motion
These cars once out on the road are as much fun as you can have with your cloths on so that SB your motivation

Enjoy

[joe duran]

Thanks very much Tony and Ginny, I will heed your warning for future reference.

JoeD.

[Anders]

You also need to find out if the car is a Series 62 Coupe or a DeVille Coupe. As they have different gear boxes. The gaskets, seals and filters are very different.

If you order through a place like RockAuto you could end up with the wrong parts. Compare the transmission parts for a Series 62 from 1963 with a Series 62 from 1964 and you will see they are different. But in reality it should be the same parts for the 1964 Series 62 as it is for the 1963.

So be very careful and check before you order. To many 63/64 Cadillac owners think they own a DeVille when they actually own a Series Sixty-Two.

[Russ Austin]

The transmission is the same from 63 to  64, series 62.   The SDV, CDV, series 60 and convertibles have the TH400

[Anders]

That is what I wrote and gave an example when autoparts sellers get it wrong. Rockauto has the wrong sparas for a 64 Series 62 transmission. When buying for a 64 Series 62 its better to order for a 63.