I'm looking for a transmission shop that can diagnose and fix a problem with my 1956 Ford-O-matic automatic transmission. It seems to "fall" into reverse from park when it is idling. So far I have torn the garage door almost off and nearly drove through the garage wall into the living room. Any suggestions of a reliable shop. I live in the East Bay of San Francisco.
Chris

 

Ouch! Walnut Creek has lot's of old gear head shops, and old school rebuilders im told. A friend of my dad races in Stockton and he uses shop in your area. if I can get ahold of him, I'll see if he can recommend some place.

In the meantime, set the parkng brake

 

Yeah I have done that but I guess I have to put more elbow grease into it!

 

I spoke with him last night, he's not sure of anyone for auto tranny's in your area, his son does all the tranny work for the crew, but it's all manual tranny work.

 

Thanks for the help anyway. I found a place in Reno it's just a matter of taking the whole truck up there or taking the transmission out and delivering just it.

 

i know this is an old thread but giving it a shot anyway... either of you know of a good shop for 4R100 rebuilds?

 

I used a place in Concord called Hydromatic but I don't think it's in business anymore. They have an older mechanic that worked only a couple of days a week and did the work on the older cars. Some of it they had to send to LA to have the bands refurbished.
Chris

 

cool. thanks for the info Chris. i stopped in at the east bay ford shop on filbert street. the service guy seemed nice enough. said i could leave the truck today or stop in first thing in the morning when they open. i'm gonna go that route to see if i can find out whats up...

 

Good luck!

 

John Wood Automotive in Holtville will build you the best trans for your money.

Stewart

 

i knew going to the stealership would be an issue. they wanted $270 right up front. i'm going to continue looking into the discrepancy myself and go from there. thanks for the tip on the woods shop in holtville.

 

Wow, Holtville is where I grew up! But, I recommend Capital transmission here in Citrus Heights. He is reputable and likes working on the old Ford Transmissions. Jag

 

Holtville is still an awesome town!

 

Nice Pic! Holtville is the carrot capital of the world. But, it does get really hot. 120* can be the normal high during june july or august. Jag

 

It's been ages, but I recall the heat, graduated from Central Union high school in 1981.