Hello, My transmission just went out on my 56 buick special as it now makes a horrible grinding sound when it is placed into gear and it does not go anywhere. I went to check the dipstick and it was scorching hot. I don't think I should tackle this rebuild myself unless there is a great how to guide somewhere out there for dynaflows. I am in the San Jose, California area and wanted to search for a local shop that rebuilds them or sell them. What would be the average price for a rebuild from everyones experience? Thanks for your advice!
Be sure you go to someone you know and trust, and, that be sure that someone you know and trust knows Dynaflows. 10 years ago in Birmingham Alabama the going rate for Dynaflow rebuild was $1500.
A (real) Dynaflow rebuilder is a very rare find. First call I would make being on your coast would be to Russ Martin - Centerville Auto Repair - 530-272-1564 He is a Nailhead guru and should know where a Dynaflow can be done correctly the first time. Keep us informed :beer
Check your fluid first. Get that right, then try the D, L , R ranges and observe what happens and what sounds you hear. If no engagement in any ranges, then converter or front pump is probably defective. If you get L and R to work, then I would check the Hi accumulator seals for problems. If you have an oil pressure gauge, you can check the apply for the Hi accumulator when shifting into D. Dynaflows are very simple in nature. The High accumulator is on the outside of the transmission, so it might not be to difficult to correct the problem. If the pressure at the high accumulator is good, then the Direct drive clutch pak is probably shot. This would require removing and tearing down the transmission. As far as Dynaflow experts, well I personally do not know of any on the west coast. There is a guy named Lemar Wilkins that knows Flightpitch/3T dynaflows, but not sure about his involvment with common dynaflows. The transmission shouldn't cost more than $500 to build in my mind, but most of these transmission shops consider these boxes classics and will set any price they wish. I personally would rebuild them for $500 and be very happy, but I do not have the necessary converter tools to rebuild them. The boxes are very simple.
