1963 Air cooled powerglide

[Arthur S.]

What color is the torque convertor supposed to be on early production air cooled powerglides? What information is on the 1963 powerglide dipstick?

[John D.]

Re: 1963 Air cooled powerglide

Arthur, See page 139 of the 5th edition for dipstick.
"The flat steel loop dip stick handle and skirt have a natural unpainted steel finish."
I can see why you asked though as no desciption is provided.
Read page 138 and 139. JD

[Arthur S.]

Re: 1963 Air cooled powerglide

Thank's John. The reason I was asking is that, I was advised the transmission dipstick changed in 1966 and the information for proper service is different on the 1963 to 1965 dipstick. Also since the air cooled transmissions has four large holes for cooling, you can see the torque convertor heat shield. I can't find any reference material that advises the correct original color of the convertor.

[Cecil L.]

Re: 1963 Air cooled powerglide

I don't think the Corvette PG had the cooling holes, only the Chevy II had them.

[Arthur S.]

Re: 1963 Air cooled powerglide

Thanks Cecil.The 3rd addition teck manual, page 146, advises that early production 1963 vettes, up to vin 6500 do not have transmission fluid coolers. The air cooled case is also pictured in the 63 shop maual.

[Roy B.]

Re: 1963 Air cooled powerglide

Thank's John. The reason I was asking is that, I was advised the transmission dipstick changed in 1966 and the information for proper service is different on the 1963 to 1965 dipstick. Also since the air cooled transmissions has four large holes for cooling, you can see the torque convertor heat shield. I can't find any reference material that advises the correct original color of the convertor.

it was not painted , just Natural steel , no convertor was!

[Cecil L.]

Re: 1963 Air cooled powerglide

Thanks Cecil.The 3rd addition teck manual, page 146, advises that early production 1963 vettes, up to vin 6500 do not have transmission fluid coolers. The air cooled case is also pictured in the 63 shop maual.

That's interesting. My 63 Shop Manual dated Oct., 62 doesn't show any holes in the trans case, nor does the prototype pic in Nolands book pg 150. It was my understanding that the early 63's with M35 without cooling, used the same trans as the later with cooling, the only diff being the cooling line fittings were capped on the early trans. I don't have the date from my trans in my early 63 and I know it isn't original to the car cuz I got it from Mike Pillsbury in about 83 and he assured me it was a 63 trans. I guess I need to find the date on it to confirm, but I do know it doesn't have any cooling holes.
Admittedly, my copy of Nolands book is a first edition so I don't have any revisions.
Anyone else have an original early 63 M35 with air cooling holes so I can stand corrected ?

[Jim L.]

Re: 1963 Air cooled powerglide

That's interesting. My 63 Shop Manual dated Oct., 62 doesn't show any holes in the trans case, nor does the prototype pic in Nolands book pg 150.
Anyone else have an original early 63 M35 with air cooling holes so I can stand corrected ?

I have an unrestored '63 PG car without the trans cooler. I don't remember seeing any "cooling holes" when I had the trans out a few years ago for a rebuild. I do remember seeing the plugs where the cooling lines would have connected.

And speaking of holes..... the early PG cars take a radiator support that does NOT have the hole for the hoses for the cooler. Relatedly, the shroud for these early cars is made without a clearance notch for the hoses that aren't there.

Jim

[Arthur S.]

Re: 1963 Air cooled powerglide

Thanks Jim. Can you check your transmission dip stick and advise me what verbage is embossed on the dip stick.

Art Stack

[Jim L.]

Re: 1963 Air cooled powerglide

Thanks Jim. Can you check your transmission dip stick and advise me what verbage is embossed on the dip stick.

Art Stack

Even better, Art. Below are links to photos of all the text I can find on my '63's trans dipstick.

Hope this helps.

Jim

[Arthur S.]

Re: 1963 Air cooled powerglide

Thanks Jim, the photo's were very helpful.
Art

[Jim L.]

Re: 1963 Air cooled powerglide

Glad to help, Art. If you need any more pics, let me know. My car is unrestored and unmolested.

Jim