M35 Flash-O-Matic

The only automatic I can remember doing myself was a Hondamatic two speed. It worked well afterward so I still have interest in tackling the M35. Got one in the car with 196 bell and TC but 232 motor, one on the floor from a 66 Ambassador 232, one in parts from a 64 American, and one still complete from a 65 American 232. Both the American transmissions had the same problem, supposedly leaking past the rear pump and pushing oil past the tail shaft seal. A transmission shop took the 64 all apart and gave it back to the 82+ year old fellow and said sorry can't fix it. This transmission worked fine except for the leak which apparently could have been fixed by just pulling off the tail housing and changing some seals. I've briefly looked over the TSM and will use it to guide me in building the sub-assembles and try to put it all back together. For me, with boxes full of parts, I could see this taking days. The old fellow wasn't even sure it is complete. Second one would be a lot easier.

Made tool with 2" square tubing, 2 U shapes cut out of opposite sides at one end (1 would have been enough to get access to snap ring), other end cut a chair back and folded it over and drilled hole to run a bolt through. 

I did fit all the assemblies together from front pump to tail shaft just to see how they go together. 

Squeezed the bands together over a drum and measured the gap with a 6" steel rule. 0.20" gap on the one that looks good and 0.15" gap on the other. Don't know what to do about that yet. Bands are available. Maybe I'll catch NWT this morning and add one to the order.

The old fellow said he didn't think it was complete. So far I haven't been aware of anything missing inside but come to think of it, I don't remember seeing the oil pan. Maybe that is an add on option for later. Hopefully I can get it built to that stage.

Ollie