1960 Cadillac Transmission 

..What this gentleman has here, and might be quite a nightmare to tackle is a mod 315 Jetaway HydraMatic Controlled Coupling 4spd transmission, used in Cadillacs from 1956 thru first part of 1964, then replaced by the 3spd TurboHydramatic 400 units. He didn't seem familiar or didn't want to disseminate too much info relating to removing the torus members that comprise the main fluid coupling(looks like a giant bagel cut in half with radial vanes on both halves), which some refer as the torque converter, but isnt, since it doesn't have a stator, which helps multiply engine torque. This is the same transmission that my erstwhile '62 Caddilac had in it, coupled to the same 390c.i.d. V8 this Caddie has..great running/great shifting & operating transmissions as long as everything is functioning properly. Mine had a severe front unit leak just behind the bellhousing. Had a trans shop pull it, dissassemble the whole front assys, reseal the unit. Then it needed a revulczanized rear mount/transmission mount..all cost then about $540, back in 1993, while living in Tucson Arizona. It was Dad's car, bought new in '62, I took over ownership, responsibility, maintenance of the ol' gal until I sold it Sept '21, for next to nothing!! Engine seized while sitting stagnant here after being towed/shipped here in wet Miss. Climate!! That's my input/experience with this really unique fluid-coupled transmission.

I have the same car/trans. I pulled the trans 3 times and rebuilt it twice (I messed up the 1st time). You can buy a new aluminum coupling unit (Fatsco or Dave Edwards) The key is to disassemble everything, I found some broken seals deep below the rear clutches which were a pain to remove, also there are several tailpieces that have been on Ebay for months. When it works it will go for 50 years before the seals wear out again. I love your videos, rock on!

The cool thing about these transmissions is the removable bell housing. You can use different year bellhousings depending on the application. Cadillacs typically used a larger bellhousing while Pontiacs were known to use a short bell housing. There was also different length tail pieces. All these pieces are swappable. Just be sure to use the correct flywheel on the transmission. Some had teeth on the flexplate, while others put the teeth on the transmission flywheel.

If you find a used controlled coupling transmission you should inspect its front coupling as well.

6 years later but did you fix this and what about the rest of the Cadillac? That front coupling cover was this design Hydramatic’s Achilles Heel. I had my 56 Pontiac’s same transmission overhauled with broken coupling cover in 1963. Cost 170 which sounds cheap now but it was a big hit for me then.

Do you have any idea where I can find a bellhousing for this trans.

When it comes to a Controlled-coupling Hydramatic there aren't many cheap options.

Anyone know what the part number of this transmission is? I am in desperate need!

Hi, I'm repairing a transmission like this in Brazil, does anyone recommend a place to find the internal parts, I need the reverse clutch, etc? the site may be from the USA because I import the parts. Thanks.

You need a new front coupling cover. They are being reproduced now. They can run anywhere between $100 to $200 depending where you get one. I got mine from a place called Tri-component. It was $100 at the time but that was about three years ago. The original aluminum covers were notorious for cracks and breaking. Very important part though as it is part of the controlled coupling.

When I see blue paint on a transmission, I immediately suspect it was rebuilt at some point by AAMCO because they paint theirs blue when they rebuild them. 60 Caddy is cool. Worth saving IMO. I might even be considering an engine/transmission swap from a later year Caddy at this point. A conversion would be tough and a bit more costly just because of all the little things you end up having to change in the process that come in addition to the Bell housing adapter anyway, a whole swap might end up being a bit cheaper or about the same cost, but the advantage would be easier to get parts for.

Even though the engine runs good you should consider a third option get a whole new engine and transmission, like a small block Chevy 350 and and the appropriate transmission. It could potentially be the cheapest alternative especially if you use Junkyard Parts.

Hi could u please make a video of how to adjust tv rod?? I have a 61

Mines had the same and 3 yrs later she still taking fwy trips put a fresh filter on it and driver her like u stole it

What is the next video?

metal chunks in a transmission are never good. Too bad you didnt know the specs, or you could make a tool possibly

thats....a big transmission for a car lol

Lol

How about putting in a fuel injection motor.. if you dont care what type motor.. would make it great on fuel.. having overdrive transmission.. I'm a Ford guy, so i'd look at a 4.6, or a 302 just grab a whole car.. and swap it in..