1959 4-speed transmission questions

[Barry A.]

I have a 59 that I am restoring, long time (2nd) owner who hasn't had the car on the road for 25 years or more. Rebuilding the original (matching #'s) base engine and over time trying to attend to all other areas of need. I have just removed the engine that I built in 1970 and now that I have the 4-speed transmission out am wondering what the smartest thing to do is. I have read in the forums that botched rebuilding is a potential danger and I do not remember having any problems with the transmission when I was last driving the car, and most of what I found in the threads involved issues/problems with transmissions. The oil is very dark but not sludge-like or with any debris that I could see. Sooooo, should I
(A.) search for the right shop to evaluate and try to assure myself they know what they are doing,
(B.) try to rebuild it myself (pretty handy but never attempted a transmission) as one member suggested or
(C.) just change the oil and put it back in the car???
I suppose the "smart" thing to do is to find a well experienced expert to evaluate and repair if necessary thereby minimizing any "fixing what ain't broke" outcome. I am interested to know what others may have done in similar situations.

[Donald H.]

Re: 1959 4-speed transmission questions

I rebuilt my 60 T10 transmission and had never done it before. Got the rebuild kit from Larry at D and L Transmissons and new sliders. I found a lot of good information on the Internet and also used the 1961 Chevy Manual. I don't have it in the car yet, but on the bench everything works

[Al E.]

Re: 1959 4-speed transmission questions

I would go with option C, or go on Ebay and find one for your car. There are some guys that try to rape you on the price. but i have seen them go for $650-$1200.

59-62 T-10 for corvette

[Reed F.]

Re: 1959 4-speed transmission questions

T10s are easy to rebuild, plus you can upgrade to the torq loc sliders to improve the box. Do it yourself, save a lot of money and learn from the process. It is really straight forward. Not much in the way of special tools and those you need, you should have anyway... Plus there's all kinds of how-to information out there, including pictures of what to look for when evaluating wear on components for the novice.

[Jim T.]

Re: 1959 4-speed transmission questions

I vote to only changing the fluid. Knowing how my 68's 4-speed has been used since it was new and the two lubricant changes when the throw-out bearing was replaced it still works fine. Not used much the past 25 years. A good cleaning of the shifter and new lubricant is due.

[Edward B.]

Re: 1959 4-speed transmission questions

Change the fluid and drive it - you have many other things to consume your time and money. As always, the enemy of good is better.

[Terry D.]

Re: 1959 4-speed transmission questions

Barry
It appears you are a fairly recent member, welcome aboard, my suggestion would be to joinytour local NCRS chapter and find out who they use for transmission work. Surely there is a tranny expect in the New York area.. Twenty five years is a long time to remember if the tranny was OK. You have it out, now is the time to look into it, not after it is in the car and you want to enjoy it. Just my old two cents
Terry

[William C.]

Re: 1959 4-speed transmission questions

T-10 trans in the early versions especially has some known weak points, one being a tendency to pop out of gear under light deceleration. Once it is out, it is good insurance to install new brass synchro clutches and a torc-loc slider at least on the 1-2 hub and 3-4 hub. Easy to do now, a PITA when you have to get back in and redoo it later....

[Jerry W.]

Re: 1959 4-speed transmission questions

There are many youtube vidios on rebuilding T 10's...Here's a step by step link to show what to do

http://mysite.verizon.net/partshouseauto/index.htm

[Steven B.]

Re: 1959 4-speed transmission questions

T-10 trans in the early versions especially has some known weak points, one being a tendency to pop out of gear under light deceleration. Once it is out, it is good insurance to install new brass synchro clutches and a torc-loc slider at least on the 1-2 hub and 3-4 hub. Easy to do now, a PITA when you have to get back in and redoo it later....

I can verify that. Do the upgrades and never worry about it again.

[Dick W.]

Re: 1959 4-speed transmission questions

If you opt to only change the oil, I would replace the cap gasket, shifter shaft seals, and output shaft seal. Cheap and easy on the floor.

[Stephen R.]

Re: 1959 4-speed transmission questions

Contact a local club and talk to the members. See who/what they recommend.

[Roger W.]

Re: 1959 4-speed transmission questions

Do you know if there is a similar link for a Muncie?