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Classic/Antique Car Repair/1954 Chevy Bel Air transmission slip
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Question
"My father left me his '54 Chevy Bel Air with Powerglide transmission.
I live in the mountains of NC and, though the tranny fluid reads full,
I'm feeling slippage on the hills when it gears down. Two questions:
1.what is causing the slippage/anything to be worried about? 2. what's a recommended transmission fluid for this transmission?"
The Powerglide transmission does have slippage when climbing hills and such. The torque converter (the fluid coupling) in modern cars has an internal clutch that locks up at speed and eliminates the slipping that was present in the older transmissions, especially the two speeds like the Powerglide. The fluid for your car should be the latest version of Dexron, Dexron III.
Brad
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 9 | Clarity of Response = 9 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thanks for your insight! In the times that my dad and I drove the car where he lived, there was never any indication of slipping, just started when I brought it here to the mountains. Thanks again! | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Brad Sears
Expertise
All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.
Experience
Automotive tech instructor.
Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's.
Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's
TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated.
Auto instructor for the following companies:
Fram
Autolyte
Holly
Carter
AMF
Ford Motor
University Of Conn
Blue Hills Technical School
Sugar River Technical Center
Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.
Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.
Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember.
Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.
Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.
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