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First project car and first time learning on cars

  • Thread starter Thread starter Rustang jr
  • Start date Start date Oct 2, 2025
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Rustang jr

New Member
Oct 2, 2025
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Oklahoma
Oct 2, 2025
#1
  • Oct 2, 2025
  • #1
Hello! New here. I bought a 1966 C code 289 a few years ago and have really tried learning with out looking as so much other than a chilton. I just dropped my C4 and am working on a rebuild. Looking for recommendations on rebuilding the C4 completely. I got it apart and the hub connecting to the ring gear is a little chewed up cause of the steels. Secondly looking for advice on some headers to replace the manifolds. Lastly some advice for rusty rear wheel wells and reworking the car. Looking to really throw myself in it cause my dad taught me nothing and I want to learn.
 

manicmechanic007

5 Year Member
Sep 26, 2017
2,534
714
143
Roy, Utah
Oct 3, 2025
#2
  • Oct 3, 2025
  • #2
Learned nothing from your dad?
Grab a FORD service manual
I posted EVERY page of a C4 overhaul a few years ago
Find that thread maybe
 
Reactions: Rustang jr and DadLife0724

DadLife0724

Active Member
Mar 22, 2024
266
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53
Cooperstown, PA
Oct 3, 2025
#3
  • Oct 3, 2025
  • #3
I don't know alot about the older cars. Someone will be here soon to point you in the right direction. Be prepared for more questions though. Lots of good advice here, but these guys need info since they aren't standing in front of your car. Good luck. Hope to see a progress thread at some point.
to
 
Reactions: Rustang jr
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Shala684

New Member
Oct 4, 2025
3
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1
Warrenton, VA, USA
Oct 4, 2025
#4
  • Oct 4, 2025
  • #4
Rustang jr said:
Hello! New here. I bought a 1966 C code 289 a few years ago and have really tried learning with out looking as so much other than a chilton. I just dropped my C4 and am working on a rebuild. Looking for recommendations on rebuilding the C4 completely. I got it apart and the hub connecting to the ring gear is a little chewed up cause of the steels. Secondly looking for advice on some headers to replace the manifolds. Lastly some advice for rusty rear wheel wells and reworking the car. Looking to really throw myself in it cause my dad taught me nothing and I want to learn.
Click to expand...
Lol my father didn't teach me anything either. What was the transmission doing?
 
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Rustang jr

New Member
Oct 2, 2025
3
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1
Oklahoma
Oct 4, 2025
#5
  • Oct 4, 2025
  • #5
Shala684 said:
Lol my father didn't teach me anything either. What was the transmission doing?
Click to expand...
Transmission when in gear is slipping and then eventually no drive when in gear. I then noticed a tiny leak from the band adjustment nuts. Don’t know the last time it was rebuilt
 
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Shala684

New Member
Oct 4, 2025
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1
Warrenton, VA, USA
Oct 5, 2025
#6
  • Oct 5, 2025
  • #6
Oh ok
 

manicmechanic007

5 Year Member
Sep 26, 2017
2,534
714
143
Roy, Utah
Oct 6, 2025
#7
  • Oct 6, 2025
  • #7
Are you going to overhaul it yourself?
I sure would check the band adjustment before overhauling it
If the band is too loose on a C4, the friction will not be sufficient to hold the drum
That causes slipping and a no drive concern
The band sealing nuts are still available with the special built in sealing washers,
** Replace both of them regardless, when adjusting bands
 
Reactions: Potomus Pete

manicmechanic007

5 Year Member
Sep 26, 2017
2,534
714
143
Roy, Utah
Oct 6, 2025
#8
  • Oct 6, 2025
  • #8
A note on adjusting bands on those old ones (or any of them really)
The spec is in inch pounds; you'll find that it can take 15 foot pounds just to move the little square band adjuster (because the threads get gunked up)
So, you just tighten that adjuster until you cannot anymore
That will be tight
Then back it off a turn or two and play with the adjustment
Use Brakleen to clean the threads a few times as you work with the band adjustment
Wise to use a new sealing nut every time
 
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Shala684

New Member
Oct 4, 2025
3
0
1
Warrenton, VA, USA
Oct 6, 2025
#9
  • Oct 6, 2025
  • #9
Mine was an aod which is similar but also has overdrive and yes I wanted to. Reverse was slow and overdrive was very sloppy.
 
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Rustang jr

New Member
Oct 2, 2025
3
0
1
Oklahoma
Oct 6, 2025
#10
  • Oct 6, 2025
  • #10
manicmechanic007 said:
A note on adjusting bands on those old ones (or any of them really)
The spec is in inch pounds; you'll find that it can take 15 foot pounds just to move the little square band adjuster (because the threads get gunked up)
So, you just tighten that adjuster until you cannot anymore
That will be tight
Then back it off a turn or two and play with the adjustment
Use Brakleen to clean the threads a few times as you work with the band adjustment
Wise to use a new sealing nut every time
Click to expand...
So I got the tranny dropped this weekend opened it up the band was really loose and the ring gear hub was stuck in the forward drum and some the steels were really chewed up. It also created some grooves in the ring gear hub.
 

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