Automatic transmission, drive shaft & exhaust system install

The C4 automatic gearbox had been overhauled in 1998 prior to coming to New Zealand so I'll do a general check over prior to re-installing it back in the car. 

I removed the gearbox oil pan & gasket and cleaned the filter and check on the general condition .

All seamed pretty good, noted numbers for future reference.

Seals looked new and undamaged.

Noted a new replacement vacuum modulator that had been installed.

With the help of a jack it was time to maneuver the transmission into place, easier said than done. 

Aligning the transmission takes patience and time.

A few hours later and its all bolted up and back in place again

I had to get a factory kick-down lever and cable as there was nothing there when I got the car.

Details of the Transmission company in the states and date of last overhaul.

Trans Max Transmissions Ocala Florida.

I installed an aftermarket transmission cooler to help keep the trans fluid cool as originals were not really that  effective.

Rather than going with a late model transmission oil I've gone with the recommended oil for these transmissions which is the old Type F transmission fluid still available from a few retailers.

 I got the fluid and the new universal joints from Greg @ MP Autoparts Upper Hutt  0800 CLUTCH

He is very helpful, knows his stuff and still has a lot of parts available or he knows where to get them.

When I pulled the old universal joints apart, I wasn't surprised, they were past their used by date as I suspected. Rusty and about to collapse.

Not a pretty picture, it doesn't look like grease anymore just a rusty gel. To anyone working on an older car let alone a doing a restoration, I recommend changing these or at the very least checking them out.

New universal joints front and back and we are ready to install.

Rest of the exhaust is also ready to be installed.

That completes the drive line.

Speedometer cluster & fuel and temperature gauges tidy up

Original speedometer cluster note that the chrome has all disappeared and just a light grey left.

I'll change the voltage regulator while the speedometer is out as these start to play up over time.

Date of manufacture of the speedometer was May 28 1965 and

the car was assembled 13th July 1965.

once the front glass was off there was quiet a bit dust in the back, you wonder how it managed to get in.

Here I have a new chrome and black speedo front and new glass to be fitted.

All the needles get a fresh coat of florescent orange paint as the old paint is well faded.

That paint livens up the gauges again.

All done and back together, just waiting on the new voltage regulator to arrive and it can go back in the car.

Engine bay detailing and radiator tidy up.

The original radiator was in good condition so I stripped the paint straightened the fins and gave it a coat of VHT  gloss black high temperature paint

Metal X all the surfaces to help key on the new paint

Here I have installed a new radiator support panel rubber wind deflector using the existing holes to mount the staples provided in the kit as per originally used.

Wiring had to be installed before the radiator was installed

Exhaust details

Just waiting on the proper hose clamps to arrive.

horns installed and the mechanism that holds the bonnet down.