1967 Tranny Question

[cpfitz14]

Hey everyone... i'm new here.

I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on my dream car... a 67 mustang. Its an automatic with a 302. Everything about the car seems solid, however the transmission is described as being "ok but could be redone in the future." I guess it leaks a little and when it shifts at full acceleration 2-3rd wants to slip or not catch but it down shifts great.

If I do get it, it would likely be my daily driver. I dont have a ton of car knowledge, at least not YET. So what i'm wondering is :

Should this deter me at all?
If I had to replace the transmission, how much would parts and labor cost. Also... could I do it myself? I don't have a lot of knowledge, but I am pretty capable of following directions.

Thanks

 

[65fastbackresto]

My trans shop

wanted $800 for rebuilt C-4 tranny with stage 3 shift kit complete with torque convertor.

 

[mustangdave]

If you rebuild the C4 yourself, it's under $100. If you have someone else do it, look to pay between $500 to $1500 depending on whether you want hi-performanve parts. For a stock ride, there is no need for hi-performance parts. Leaks are easy to fix; see the other thread here for common leak spots to check.
The "slip" into 3rd. could be a band adjustment which is done externally or sometimes can be fixed with a better servo (also an external bolt-on), but most likely it is just worn clutches and internal parts.
Either way, if it is a solid car, I wouldn't let it keep me from buying as long as you don't depend on it for daily transportation.

 

[Sicarius428]

If the body is solid and straight, don't let a transmission deter you from pulling the trigger. Mechanical parts like the tranny, motor and rear end are relatively cheap and easy to replace/fix compared to body work. As a daily driver, you will only find out with time how reliable it is. Old cars are great in their simplicity but lacking in refinement. I suggest upgrading the brakes for example. Cooling system could probably be updated... stuff like that.
Kevin

 

[cpfitz14]

Thanks for the help so far everyone. I'm kind of thinking the same thing. I'm hoping to test drive it soon to find out the state of the transmission. I can't really afford two cars, so it WOULD be a daily driver, which is my main concern.

I've been doing some reading about swapping for a T5, which I wouldn't mind doing, especially if the tranny is already going. Any idea how much that'd run me?

 

[palerider94]

40 year old daily driver hmm. Depends on what has ben done to it from a reliability standpoint. I'm just to the point that I'm feeling petty confident I can take mine out with out potentially have some problem. Bought a year a ago and 7 k later. If body solid sounds like a good car but make sure you know what you're getting into - brakes, tranny, engine, fuel lines, cooling system, etc. Good luck on your choice.

 

[brianj5600]

The "slip" into 3rd. could be a band adjustment which is done externally or sometimes can be fixed with a better servo (also an external bolt-on), but most likely it is just worn clutches and internal parts.

C4 uses a band for second gear. Adjusting it has little effect on third shift and won't help slipping. High/reverse clutches and/or slow shifting valvebody are likely the problem.