I don’t know of a simple solution to your dilemma. Converting your Dynaflow to open driveline can probably be done, but I think it likely a lot of machine work would be required. Finding an open drive unit from an early ‘60s model might be easier. Alternatively, shortening a Buick torque tube driveline to fit your chassis is also a possibility, though I hesitate to recommend that approach for more than one reason. In my opinion, you would be better served by buying an adapter to mate your Buick engine to a popular GM automatic from the ‘70s up, such as a TH350, TH400, etc. Ray
I worked in 2 different wrecking yards in the late '50's, and have been building cars since then. I have yet to see one of these cars although I have heard about them for 60 years.
There's a Cad Coupe DeVille in Rockland, Idaho, population about 200, still running & never been apart. I've seen 2 Olds so far - a Super 88 and a 98.
It's a shame that I can't find a way to use it easily, and unfortunately I don't have the torque tube and rear end.
I first thought about this too, but the post below summarizes my second thought.... I haven’t had quite as much exposure as you describe, but in the 60 plus years I have been a very active auto nut and salvage yard explorer, I too have yet to discover one of these puppies.. maybe they ALL got shipped to the hinterlands, where the rubes wouldn’t be expected to know the difference..... Ray
Not really a shame. I had one in my 55 Buick behind the nailhead. While it worked fine, it didn’t set my pants on fire either. Parts are silly expensive and they changed them every few years improving them throughout. So a lot of stuff from early to late 50’s dynaflows don’t swap and interchange. They are also a weepy leaky transmission. the torque tube is a big honking mother of a beast better suited to a 1 ton truck then a car. with all that said, my 55 drove great, I loved the car, but ultimately sold it due to a leaky dynaflow and my unending need to be lazy and not fix it !
A Dynaflow would be my last choice. Too many other better choices. Saw a 55 Buick for sale a while back with a 401, open drive and a 700R4.
While I agree with most in that I'd pick a different transmission, Chet Herbert had a 32 sedan with a GMC 6 and a Buick Dynaflow adapted to a Ford closed rear so it is doable.
Anything is doable. Whats the most practical is the real story. Like I previously posted, a Dynaflow would not be my choice.
Gman, I agree. I don't think they have the best reputation. Now if he'd said a dual range Hydro I'd say why not , but yeah today there are so many options with pretty much all of them being better than the Dynaflow.
I have a dynaflow and yoke out of a 63 Buick. It's for an open driveline. Located in NC if your interested. You can have it. [email protected]
Colton, I think it would be neat! But then, I like all things Buick. Be a lot easier to go the way you want than the other way, I think. And they are GOOD transmissions. And as for bad reputations, shucks, I had a bad one until I found a woman that could handle me. Ben
A very good friend who had a body shop in Saint Petersburg, FLA had an Olds with a Buick Dynaflow trans back around 1965 or so. It was great fun for impromptu street racing. Competition would be listening for the Olds to shift gears (which, with the Dynaflow, of course never happened) winding their engines tighter and tighter until they finally gave up. Anyhow, Dynaflow transmissioned Olds and Cads did exist. I know cause I drove one.
I once read that some Pontiacs had Powerglides during that Hydramatic shortage. If true, perhaps it was the 6 cyl models and the straight eights got the Dynaflow.?? Ray
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