Yikes! I bought a '64 Valiant Signet Hardtop a month ago and just today got a chance to drive it to see what it needs. I have two four door '64's and I was thinking of parting one out to feed the others, putting the best stuff in the hardtop.
Anyway, I fired it up and drove it around, checking off what worked and what didn't, and the transmission was slipping and shifting hard. When I brought it home, I checked the fluid level with the engine on and the trans in neutral and it is almost dry! Did I do some damage? Should I just add fluid and check for leaks?

maybe ... but doubtful
yes ... if the condition of the trans is unknown, changing the filter is a good idea. I dont recall if it is in the pan or in the cooler like in 64

good luck

tophat

I believe the filter is in the pan. It's probably a good idea to drop the pan anyway and have a look inside. Change the fluid and filter then have it adjusted. Those old torqueflites are tough and very reliable, with any luck at all you should be good to go.

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David Kight
'62 Valiant Signet, White
'98 Dodge Dakota
'06 Jeep Liberty

Growing older is unavoidable but growing up is strictly optional.

Make sure you get the correct filter. The 64 filter should have two holes for the fluid to go into the valve body. Most parts stores wil give you a filter with only one hole. These are for the 66 and newer trans. The 64 trans has a rear pump, which was removed as of 1966.

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Charrlie_S
65 Valiant 100 2dr post 170 turbo
66 Valiant Signet 170 nitrous
64 Valiant Signet
64 Valiant 4dr 170
64 Valiant 4dr 225

Thanks, I'll replace the filter and break out the shop manual to find out about adjustment . I'm just kicking myself for not checking the level before driving it. I topped off the oil and the brake fluid, but the AT fluid escaped my attention. I wonder how long the previous owner drove it around like that? Not long I hope.

If it was sitting for a while before you bought it, check the rear seal, also. It's lubricated by trans fluid when the car is in motion, and if it has not been driven in a while, the seal could be dried out and cause leaks.

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