Used C1 (T10) Transmissions

[Christopher R.]

I'm going to look at a used T10 for my '62. I'll install it myself with the car on jackstands. You know, transmission resting on your chest; crabbing to get it into position; arm muscles cramping from overexertion; swearing at it when the nose won't go into the pilot bearing; etc. It was awful when I did it the last time, and I was 20 years younger then. I really don't want to have to do this job twice.

1. What should I look for when I go see it? Take off the side cover, and look at what? Can the play in the rear bearing or bushing be checked?

2. What's a worthwhile thing to do before I put it in? Seals?

[William C.]

Re: Used C1 (T10) Transmissions

Look inside to see if anything is obviously broken. Then take it to a competent 4-speed shop that has experience with early T-10 boxes. Have it professionally rebuilt. Then you will have peace of mind You can't check the condition of the sliders from the outside and the margin of error in a T-10 is not large, especially with respect to keeping the box in second gear under deceleration.

[Tom P.]

Re: Used C1 (T10) Transmissions

You CANNOT, repeat, CANNOT tell very much at all about a 4sp just by removing the side cover. I've been rebuilding 4spds for nearly 35yrs, and I assure you that the ONLY way to fully know the condition of a 4sp is to TOTALLY tear it down. I'm quite sure that is not the answer you wanted, but as has already been mentioned, that's what it takes. One of the reasons, is that you cannot tell if the cluster gear shaft/needle bearings/cluster ID has any damage or pitting unless you tear it down-------------------------and that requires total teardown.

[Christopher R.]

Re: Used C1 (T10) Transmissions

1. What's the going price for a teardown and rebuild, assuming all the gears are good? Assume replacement of gaskets, bearings, seals, bushings, synchros, etc. - everything but the gears.

2. Is this something that the average shadetree mechanic with plenty of time and with the 1961 Service Manual, but with no special tools and no access to a press can do?

[James F.]

Re: Used C1 (T10) Transmissions-Chris

Chris,
Without looking up venders prices, I recall T-10 rebuild kits are in the $160 range. I purchased mine from Auto Gear in Syracuse, NY. Quality product, no connection with, yada, yada (except I live 20 miles south of Syracuse). You should be able to rebuild yours following the Chevrolet service manual. I rebuilt mine last summer, did not require a hydraulic press except for replacing the rear tailhousing bushing sleeve. I had a local machine shop remove and replace it.

Repairing bent top frame pieces over the window (your post somewhere else on the NDB): certainly would be easier to straighten them if they were removed from the rest of the frame. I believe the two side pieces above the window can be removed without disturbing the canvas providing you are careful. Job would be much easier if the canvas top was completely off. Regards,

[Bernie Schneider]

Re: Used C1 (T10) Transmissions

The most common problem I find is the tail shaft is twisted and the long Corvette slip yoke won't slip on all the way. This causes you to utilize the shorter passenger car slip yoke.