I'm in the middle of restoring a 67 mustang convertable. It has a 289in it. I currently have 158,000 miles on it and the automatic trans either needs to be rebuilt or replaced. Any recommendations? If you recommend replacing it what's what do you suggest?

Thanks,
Fred

 

Does the trans have 158,000 miles on it aswell? Im guessing its a c4? Ive seen c4/c6s go for over a quarter-million miles+...But if your going to lay down that kind of money, id reccomend just getting an AOD trans.

 

C4's are good trannys. If it is not slipping or chattering then do nothing. Otherwise I would just rebuild unless, it is a daily driver or you are racing it.

 

The trans also has 158,000 miles on it. It's leaking fluid and won't keep the car from srolling backwards when in park on a slight incline.

Fred

 

Have the C4 overhauled. you'll be money ahead.

 

rebuild unless you want to upgrade to an overdrive unit. If you buy something new it will either be:
1. a rebuilt unit and cost you more than a rebuild
2. a brand new unit that will cost you alot more than a rebuild

both would be just as good as rebuilt on your current trans from a good shop.

 

Your question depends on a lot of variables. What you want out of the restoration? All original or retomod? How are you going to drive it? Drag, Highway commutes or weekender?Any chance all the numbers still match? Everyone will have a different opinion. Time and money dictate all in the end.
I'd have it rebuilt if everything is still orig/ matching. If not, think about an extra gear for highway driving, the options are numerous.
In 1998 I mulled over the same ?'s as you. I had 175k on my odometer when I had my badly leaking,& vibrating C4 completely rebuilt and beefed up with heavy duty parts. The mech drilled a hole in the filter module to give me a heavier shift with the hammer down, but also downshift protection. Yeah, I drove the old auto hard). He was an old geezer in south TX, came out of retirement to do the job for $700. Fixed all my worries but a slight vibe still occurred occassionally which turned out to be the tranny mount insulator $10. Fun driving, problem fixed... Priceless!!!
Hope you enjoy your convertible.
F14Chuck
69 302 Convertible with 210K miles and counting

 

I had my C4 rebuilt by a good private shop north of Omaha, NE. $350. Replaced the torque converter and also a 2 yr/24000 mile warranty. Should be similar around the country. I dropped it off and picked it up.

 

Have you ever considered converting to manual? Like a T-5 or Tremec with a cable clutch setup?

-Stef