Paul, I assume you are sure it's an FMX? To check; the pan has 14 bolts and is basically squarish, and a magnet will stick to the case.

 

I agree the price does seem high. The trans needs a new torque converter, clutches, bands and other various and sundry stuff because it was previously rebuilt incorrectly. I saw that a rebuilt C4 costs around $1900 so I am going to look into that too.

 

They looked at the case and matched it to the year. Plus it has an actuator on it which apparently wasn't available in the 50's. I have since checked into three other places and for what I need it is going to cost about what I have been quoted. The highest bid was $3200 and I would have to get the trans up to Reno which is four hours from me. I called a place in the midwest and he told me the same thing so I don't think it is a case of regional rip-off. Changing to a different trans would require some modifications which I don't want to do.

 

The transmission that was finally known as the FMX had many other names during its run. It was the (three speed) Cruise-o-Matic, Dual Range Cruise-o-Matic, Flash-o-Matic (on AMC cars), Merc-o-Matic, MX and FMX, and I'm not sure that covers all the names that tranny had. To make things even more interesting, the C6 was ALSO called Cruise-o-Matic when it made its debut.

Is that all clear as mud?

 

Hey I think I might like this Grover guy. Y Blocks Rule. Man I can't believe It costs that much for an FMX. There is a place in Seattle called Transmission Exchange. I have dealt with them most of my working life. Give them a call. They will ship by Gray Hound also. I"m thinking it will cost half of what you are being told. Price of a phone call and possibly save a Grand?

 

seawulff- a quick google check gave me this for your cruise-o-matic
torque converter- $135 rebuilt from www.tpcconverters.com
they have a 800 number you can call to ask about rebuild kits
and this place has the rebuild kit for your tranny listed- kit is 650 dollars
http://www.broaderperformance.com/fm..._transmiss.htm
if you could do it yourself you could save yourself $2000

 

I had a '62 TBird with CruiseOMatic, it is not the same as an FMX or C6. Mine cracked the reverse servo housing, a very common problem. Lost reverse and 2nd as I recall. I couldn't afford the AAMCO rebuild (I think it was $300 back in '68) so I did it myself at the age of 16. (All I did was fix the servo and replace the shaft seal rings)

It sounds like rebuilt t.c.'s are not "off the shelf" for that old of a model and they are going to have to cut his open and rebuild it, which is very expensive. There is a sprag clutch and some other stuff that can only be replaced by cutting it open.

Clearly it makes sense to update to an AOD rather than rebuild that. BTW a great deal IMO is from Phoenix Remanufactured Transmissions, they sell on eBay but also direct. They will sell you an AOD for around $1200 (last I checked) in the exact configuration you want and they always upgrade them to the HD OD servo, add an extra plate somewhere too. If you call them you'll find they are really good to deal with.

 

but do they make an aod with a y-block bolt pattern? as far as i know they only come in small block

 

I beleve ALBQU F1 just said they do. Call them and see. I also Know a bell is avalible for the C4. but can't remember where.

 

Sorry, I don't know about Y-block adapters but I would guess someone on here has done it. The AOD's I'm familiar with have an integral bellhousing so it would have to be a plate-type adapter, not a new bell.

 

The C4 has an interchangeable bell is why I mentioned It. The AOD I believe is more like the C6 with overdrive and is a one piece case. Although I have never been into an AOD or an E4OD as of yet.

 

without major upgrades an aod wont hold up to the power of a big block... stock c-6's will with no problems, but yep i have 2 aod's and they have integral bellhousings like the c-6's... thats why i didnt think you could bolt an aod up to a y-block

 

A quick websearch turned up this off the HAMB:

There's a commercial adapter kit available, but kind of pricey...

http://www.transmissionadapters.com/...blocktoaod.jpg

http://www.transmissionadapters.com/...%20install.htm


Interesting thread on the subject

http://www.y-blocksforever.com/phpbb...85a43d1e7752ae

When in doubt, do a search!

 

I'm not sure I understand all of the abreviations that are being used. I decided to have my tranny rebuilt. The torque converter does need to be opened and redone but I didn't want to use an adaptor so I'm sucking it up and paying the price.

 

Parts trucks can be a beautiful thing... I bought a running 65 awhile back for 300.00, with a working fmx. The truck turned into boxes of spare parts, the trans is waiting on time and parts. Even found a factory service book on eBay, seek and have patience grasshopper...