Reverse Troubles

[eustace]

So, I'm new to this forum but I've had my thunderbird for 5 years now and this is the first time I've had transmission troubles. The reverse recently stopped working. It got bad over a weeks period and now only reverses in idle on a flat surface. Is it just the reverse band that needs adjusting or is it more serious? Is it time for a rebuild? Please advise me because now my thunderbird is just sitting in the garage. Thanks.

 

[tbird5866]

Some (maybe even many) of the Bulletbird transmissions let their owners down by breaking the case in the center. As I recall, that failure caused the loss of reverse. No adjustment will fix it. If the case is cracked, lowering the pan and the valve body should reveal the crack. Best to talk to an "old-timer" at a transmission shop.

 

[eustace]

O.K., so I took my 62 to a shop in Novato CA, Vintage Auto, and they found that the reverse band was broken and also that a few seals hardened. I was able to go to his shop and see the transmission apart and, sure enough, part of the band was 3/4 of the way broken through. It all seems to reverse fine now. The case was not cracked but I did have to take it in, Thanks again Harley!