Velvet drive

[Perrywary]

So this has been a real learning experience. I thought I had a direct drive WRONG I thought my v drive had no tag WRONG
Now my question is would you trust a company that at first says that it would take 2 hours (at$125/hr) then the next time I talk to them they say it will be a minimum of 4 hrs just to disassemble and diagnose the problem no idea can they give for the repair cost. And I would like to know where is there a reputable marine mech in the Bay Area?
I have an older 71 or 72 model # 10-04-000-011 velvet drive that needs rebuilt as it is stuck in forward. If anyone has a lead on a good used or recently rebuilt transmission I would be interested in talking to them
Thanks

 

[alldodge]

Re: Velvet drive

Many years ago I use to rebuild automatic transmissions out of my garage. Folks would come up and ask what would it cost and I would try to guess, and sometimes I would have to ask for more do to unknown problems. This would tick off the folks so I started charging a flat fee which was much higher, but found I didn't get as many takers. What I'm saying is your transmission is the same kind of animal, know one really knows until they get in there. This is not to say that the company your dealing with is reputable.

I would say if you brought the trans to them 2 hours is plenty to find out and give a price. If after you received their price and you said no, the the other 2 hours should be to put it back together and give it back.

There are many used and new velvet drives on the internet, but like anything else let the buyer beware. I wish I knew someone in your area but I don't.

 

[Walt T]

Re: Velvet drive

Access is also a part of it.
Hey AllDodge I built automatics back in the day for an AAMCO store. Back then I used to tell folks to stay away from them as we would go out back in the boneyard and grab hard parts out of old transmissions and use them to replace broken ones on the one being rebuilt then they'd get charged for a new one. We got paid 50 bucks a transmission and I learned how to do them in my sleep. I could do 3 a day sometimes 4 if I got a Powerglide. We worked in the back room and didn't have to pull trannies, that was for the kids who weren't smart enough to build em.

 

[alldodge]

Re: Velvet drive

I hear you Walt T, Powerglide's were money makers and real easy. :thumb:

 

[Perrywary]

Re: Velvet drive

so i guess i will start looking online to see if i can find a used one and if not i will be trying something else i have never tried:joyous:

 

[Fun Times]

Re: Velvet drive

Hi there, though not in the Bay Area, one of the few places in CA that is highly recommended to handle marine transmission repairs for for engine manufacturers such as Mercruiser and a hole lot more that is still in or out of warranty is boatswain's locker in Costa Mesa Ca.

Maybe worth a call to see if they know anyone out your way, if not, Maybe you can ship it to them.

Boatswain's Locker

Good luck.