The trans is a BorgWarner T35 aka Flash-o-matic 3 speed automatic.
While it was a mess inside (dirt mostly) mechanically speaking it was in pretty good shape. I put new frictions and steels, seals etc and then I ran into some issues. First one of the valves in the valve body was badly pitted - it was definitely a dead palyer. At first I scoured my bin of drill bits looking for a donor the right diameter, but the only one I found wasn't suitable - damn stampings right where I need it smooth. So my buddy brought me a chunk of drill rod. I machined it close (.001" over) heated it cherry red and dunked it in oil. It hardened up nicely. I then polished it to the appropriat size and VIOLA - I'm in business!!!!
While I was all busy pattin' myself on the back - I next proceeded to put a nice scuff mark into the annular piston from the front clutch drum - son-of-a &^^%$#!!!!!!
After calling around I actually found a NOS one for 11 bucks!!! How sweet it is baby!!!! So this time I decided I'd be extra extra careful assembling it - and naturally I F-ed it up AGAIN!!!! *&*&$$*($#$#^%*(_!!!!!!
OK - I give up - so I grabbed an old piece of water pipe and proceeded to machine a steel repair sleeve to press into this piston - a machined in a small head on one side so I'd not have to worry about it ever moving out. It came out pretty well. I next pressed it into place and this time I measured to every turn of the nut to make sure it was seating squarely every second! Viola!! It went together as it was supposed to!!! Finally!!!
I think it'll be ok, but only time will tell. I'll update this when I finally get the trans swapped into the car!!! Wish me luck!!!!
At least I still have the (sick) trans incase I goofed this one up without knowing it!!!!
To Be Continued...
