glide build

just picked up a glide with a t-brake...all new parts..bte kit etc..but it is all apart, i really want to built it my self so i can learn tranny...so on a scale fro 1-10 ...1 beng easy--10 hard ..just how hard is it for a person do built it that has good mechanical ability..what do you guys think about the dvd how to guides..thanks

screw the DVD get you a JW build a glide book....


Randy

the Coug wrote:screw the DVD get you a JW build a glide book....


Randy

ok...

The JW book I bought several years ago was simply a photo copy of this book. The Powerglide Transmission Handbook is what you need. Available from several sources.

http://www.amazon.com/Powerglide-Trans-HP1355-Chevrolets-Applications/dp/1557883556

David Cole wrote:The JW book I bought several years ago was simply a photo copy of this book. The Powerglide Transmission Handbook is what you need. Available from several sources.

http://www.amazon.com/Powerglide-Trans-HP1355-Chevrolets-Applications/dp/1557883556

I have both books , both good but that one is the better of the two IMO

the book I have was from TSR and Carl Monroe but if I remember several years ago JW bought it and put their name on the book....

The book that David linked to has just about everything that you need to know. It is pretty good!
Call me if you get in the middle of things and have any questions. I have built quite a few and am a dealer for BTE.
Keith
678-458-2033

use a book one time and you will never have to use it again. very easy to do.

use good tools
take precise measurements
CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN

only down side is, the tranny is all ready dissembled ..can get it built for 125.00..but i dont learn anything from that

The power glide is not a difficult transmission to assemble but you do need some special tools that may not be worth the expense for a one-time use. It has been a long time since I built a Power Glide because I have concentrated on the C4 for the last 40 years. There is a big difference in building a performance transmission and assembling a stock unit. Is the one you have a performance 'Glide?
Paul

PaulS wrote:The power glide is not a difficult transmission to assemble but you do need some special tools that may not be worth the expense for a one-time use. It has been a long time since I built a Power Glide because I have concentrated on the C4 for the last 40 years. There is a big difference in building a performance transmission and assembling a stock unit. Is the one you have a performance 'Glide?
Paul

been wanting to learn tranny...im off tomorrow and monday..may try to reassemble it as is and see what happens..see i how feel on how it goes..take it back apart etc..if it dont work then it dont work it will be my fault..i get tired of payng people to build trannys ..etc..

check out Ideal Productions, wayne partridge has a great video on building race glides. Paul at technical videos also has good videos on stock tranny rebuilds but nothing on the glide. Glides are great to build when you have the right info and a little know how.

PaulS wrote:The power glide is not a difficult transmission to assemble but you do need some special tools that may not be worth the expense for a one-time use. It has been a long time since I built a Power Glide because I have concentrated on the C4 for the last 40 years. There is a big difference in building a performance transmission and assembling a stock unit. Is the one you have a performance 'Glide?
Paul

Just curious on what special tools you are talking about?

whatbumper wrote:

PaulS wrote:The power glide is not a difficult transmission to assemble but you do need some special tools that may not be worth the expense for a one-time use. It has been a long time since I built a Power Glide because I have concentrated on the C4 for the last 40 years. There is a big difference in building a performance transmission and assembling a stock unit. Is the one you have a performance 'Glide?
Paul

Just curious on what special tools you are talking about?

At the very least you need a dial indicator to check overall endplay, It is possible to use feeler gauges to check clutch free play but I prefer dial indicator for that too. Clutch apply pistons that use lip seals require installer sleeves to prevent cutting the seals (there are cheaper ways around it but they do sometimes cut the seals. Bushing installers are another "necessity" to do a top notch job. The kits you buy with 12 discs and a couple of different drive handles rarely fit the bushings properly and it is difficult to keep them aligned without some kind of guide. I have special bushing installers for each bushing in the transmission because I was in the business for 40 years. These are too expensive for a single build or the guy that is going to rebuild his own after each season, The alternative is to get a foot for each bushing size that has a step on it that stops at the right depth and a long handle or better yet a screw type puller that pulls the bushing into place.
Like I said it has been a long time since I built any glides and I don't remember specifics - My forte is C4s for high HP.

Paul

I've built a lot of high horsepower capable glides and dont use a lot of those tools. Do use a good dial indicator but degree motors and set up gears with it too. I do agree they all would be nice if it was your business.

PaulS wrote:

whatbumper wrote:

PaulS wrote:The power glide is not a difficult transmission to assemble but you do need some special tools that may not be worth the expense for a one-time use. It has been a long time since I built a Power Glide because I have concentrated on the C4 for the last 40 years. There is a big difference in building a performance transmission and assembling a stock unit. Is the one you have a performance 'Glide?
Paul

Just curious on what special tools you are talking about?

At the very least you need a dial indicator to check overall endplay, It is possible to use feeler gauges to check clutch free play but I prefer dial indicator for that too. Clutch apply pistons that use lip seals require installer sleeves to prevent cutting the seals (there are cheaper ways around it but they do sometimes cut the seals. Bushing installers are another "necessity" to do a top notch job. The kits you buy with 12 discs and a couple of different drive handles rarely fit the bushings properly and it is difficult to keep them aligned without some kind of guide. I have special bushing installers for each bushing in the transmission because I was in the business for 40 years. These are too expensive for a single build or the guy that is going to rebuild his own after each season, The alternative is to get a foot for each bushing size that has a step on it that stops at the right depth and a long handle or better yet a screw type puller that pulls the bushing into place.
Like I said it has been a long time since I built any glides and I don't remember specifics - My forte is C4s for high HP.

Paul

Good points about the tools required. Don't forget a spring compressor for the clutch pack springs....
As whatbumper mentions in his later post, you can get by with other methods and tools, but the clutch springs really need a good universal tool. A crafty fabricator can make his own with about 2 or 3 hours of labor.

Since I got my lathe at home, I have made several custom bushing installers for the press. It sure makes the job quicker. You are right about the universal driver kits. They don't seem to fit many trans bushing sizes.

Keith