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Get a step-by-step view into muscle car transmission restorations

Owning and restoring a hot rod or muscle car is as much a labour of love as it is hard work.

As every classic vehicle owner knows, it isn’t all about ensuring your machine looks good, but how it performs too. That work can include muscle car transmission restoration.

Restoring a transmission in a muscle car can be a long-term project. Therefore, when it comes to restorations, it’s critical to find a technician with in-depth knowledge of muscle cars, their transmissions, and how their engines work.

The good news is that Mister Transmission specializes in the repair, service, and maintenance of high-performance vehicles, including classic muscle cars.

Here’s an overview of the steps we take to restore a transmission in most hot rods and muscle cars:

Step No. 1: Access the Transmission

First and foremost, we need to be able to access the transmission. Often, restoration is made easier by removing the transmission from the engine completely. It is extremely delicate work. The transmission is slowly hoisted from the engine compartment, and it must be drained of all fluids and thoroughly degreased before inspection.

Step No. 2: Inspect the Components

s it is by far the most complicated element of the car, there are many parts to the transmission that require inspection. Everything from the mechanics, hydraulics, and electrical systems (if equipped) must be closely examined to determine what needs replacing, what parts require maintenance work, and what parts appear to be in good working condition.

Disassembling the transmission completely, or partially, is often necessary to inspect all its parts. Depending on the age and condition of the vehicle, this can be either a simple job or a more in-depth and complicated inspection.

Step No. 3: Find the Parts

If it’s determined your classic car’s transmission requires new aftermarket parts for it to operate properly, we will go about obtaining those parts.

Acquiring and installing new parts in your transmission occasionally calls for a bit of fancy footwork, particularly if your goal is to install authentic, original components. If so, we’ll contact the vehicle’s manufacturer about obtaining the original parts. Many times, we can source replicas that have the correct decals and information on them that look and work the same as the original pieces.

Step No. 4: Begin the Overhaul

With the necessary parts in hand, we can begin overhauling the transmission. That involves completely taking the transmission apart, rebuilding it, and then putting it back together. When restoring a muscle car, this is the best choice, as it is rare to find a completely original transmission in good working order for older classic cars.

Step No. 5: Replace or Clean Parts

The last step in your classic car transmission restoration calls for the disassembling and cleaning of the valve body. We replace all the bands and soft parts, the lined friction plates, the seals, sealing rings, gaskets, and any other worn out or defective parts. We also need to go over the electric components (if equipped) and assess the torque converter. If the transmission uses a computer to shift gears, it too will need to be inspected.

If you have a transmission or driveline issue with your muscle car or are looking to upgrade to the next level of performance and reliability, Mister Transmission has the technology and experienced, certified technicians to complete the repair work you need.

Trust the experts at Mister Transmission to restore the transmission in your classic muscle car. Find a location nearest to you.