https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1964-cadillac-series-62/
This car is listed as being built on the fourth week of Feb 1964, yet it still has the older Hydramatic 4-speed. I thought by this time GM had plenty of T400s for Caddies, but series 62 strippers had the 4-speed.
https://6364cadillac.ning.com/profiles/blogs/enginesandtransmissions
In the 1964 model year, the all new Turbo Hydramatic was installed in the DeVille, Sixty Special and Eldorado models only while the older (4-speed) Hydramatic was retained in the Series 62 and Series 75.
In 1965, the THM was installed in all models including the carryover Series 75.
It amazes me that GM carried on with the reliable but hard shifting Hydramatic in 1964 for the lower series 62 models. A cost saving measure or T400m availability issue?
Anyone know?
In its current condition I see this going for 11-13k.
Quote from: jwwseville60 on May 22, 2024, 07:10:27 PMIt amazes me that GM carried on with the reliable but hard shifting Hydramatic in 1964 for the lower series 62 models. A cost saving measure or T400m availability issue?
Anyone know?
Two guesses:
A marketing choice to induce buyers to move up to one of the more deluxe models.
Limit potential warranty claims should teething problems develop in the field since it was all-new gearbox.
Of the nine Hydramatic Cadillacs I've owned (including two I have now), all of them have shifted seamlessly.
An 1/8th of a turn on the TV rod at the adjustment trunion can make a world of difference with the HM. Initial setting by the book gets it operating correctly. Lots of driving and tweaking makes them shift as smooth as a THM.
Mystery solved.
Thanks everyone!