C1 '62 T-10 Transmission Repair Parts

[Donald B.]

I'm going to have a friend (highly qualified) do some minor repair on my transmission. The only known problem is the gears grind going from First to Second - but never know what else will be found when the case is opened.

Any suggestions about obtaining parts - would his ordinary parts supplier be OK or should I direct him to a specific vendor.

Thanks for any advice.

[William C.]

Re: C1 '62 T-10 Transmission Repair Parts

It sounds like a cracked blocking ring in the sychro, not uncommon problem on T-10. His normal parts ouurce should be ok if he has a regular source for manual trans parts, if not, try Ed Hartnett, 610, 623 9381.

[Mike B.]

Re: C1 '62 T-10 Transmission Repair Parts

I just finished rebuilding my T-10. It was popping out of second gear on deceleration. I replaced the gear (the engagement teeth were shot), synchros, and the front and rear bearings for good measure. The gasket kit came with O-rings for the shifter links as well as detent balls which I also replaced.

I am no expert, but I suspect that for starters your synchros are worn. Their function is to slow the rotating gears and help line up the "slider" as you shift. Look for wear in the inner bore. Test the wear by rotating the synchro around the conical hub of the respective gear. (There are four synchros and are uniquely brass colored.) There should be noticable friction and a precise fit as you push the synchro into the gear cone. You might get lucky and just need the synchros and gaskets and get away with $50 in parts. Also look for bad engagement teeth on the gears. Like mine, there may have been too much power shifting and if the teeth are bad, things won't like up when they need to.

I got my parts from Larry at D&L transmission in Huntington Station, Long Island, NY. His prices were very reasonable (best I found by shopping around). He was also very helpful with some technical questions along the way. Larry has a well-equipped shop/garage and is based out of his home so he keeps his overhead down. He has tons of stuff in stock for B&W and Muncie trannys. Visit http://www.dandltransmission.com for his website or call at 631-351-4837.

For the record, rebuilding the tranny is easy if you have at least basic mechanical skills. I suggest that you snap a few photos of the gear cluster before you take it apart and keep the parts in strict order as it is dismantled. Virtually everything will come apart without the use of an arbor press. The most challenging will be if you need to replace the rear bearing, you will have to pull off the speedometer drive gear which is friction fit to the main shaft. I fashioned a puller out of standard bearing jaws, threaded rods and a steering wheel puller yoke and screw. Putting it back on requires heating the gear with a propane torch and sliding it into place (with a pliers of course!). There were a few other "tricks" learned along the way that if I were to do it again would shave a lot of time, especially in reassembly. Beyond the puller, the only "special tools" that you'll need is a stout pair of external snap ring pliers that will move through a good range of opening sweep, and an offset flat bladed screwdriver to hold the reverse detent ball in place when putting the shifter pawl back in, should you decide to replace it.

You are welcome to have the copy that I made of the rebuild instructions taken from my original 1961 Chevy repair manual(there are virtually no changes through the years save for a different front bearing/retainer in 1963). No extra charge for the greasy fingerprints! Just drop me a note with your address.

Finally, before you put the tranny back in the car, take the time to line up and tighten all of the shifter linkage on your bench. Then take it back off, slide the tranny into place, remount the shifter, and ride off into the sunset!

Good luck. And if you do use him, please tell Larry that I sent you.
Mike (mbovino@uniclean.com).