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TH-425 transmission Service in Virginia??

Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2018 10:38 pm
by classicarsva
My 1966 Toronado transmission has problems and needs help! Does anyone know of a qualified Toronado mechanic
located in or near Virginia ?? My previous forum post did not resolve the issue despite the kind suggestions of Bruce Roe, our transmission guru.
Thanks,
Garland Gentry

Re: TH-425 transmission Service in Virginia??

Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2018 6:02 am
by Otto Skorzeny
You've probably already considered this but you might have to find a company familiar with the Turbo 400 since there probably aren't a lot of specialists in the TH425 variant.

Recently I had a local AAMCO transmission rebuiild my '79 Ford C4. The guy doing the work was an old timer and quite familiar with the transmission that hasn't been built for about 40 years.

I guess my point is not to dismiss chain branded shops outright. Go and talk to the owner/rebuilder. You might get lucky and find someone who knows all about the TH425.

TH-425 transmission Service in Virginia??

Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2018 1:47 pm
by bcroe
A 66 has a slight extra complication in being a switch pitch, you want that
preserved. Shipping it to Manny in CA works, expensive. Bruce Roe

Re: TH-425 transmission Service in Virginia??

Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2018 11:35 pm
by classicarsva
Hi Guys,
Thanks to Otto and Bruce for your suggestions. I hope to diagnose the problem without pulling the transmission. I just have an aversion to pulling the trans for no good reason. That happens SO much these days with shops just replacing parts until the problem goes away. You pay many $$$ and eventually find all it needed was a $4.00
spark plug!
Anyway, I like Otto's suggestion to try and find someone local who has some history with the TH-425. Then, if pulling the trans is required, out it comes. Time to make some calls!!!
Thanks,
Garland

Re: TH-425 transmission Service in Virginia??

Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2018 6:17 am
by Otto Skorzeny
Contact Jim at http://www.appliedgmc.com

He's extremely knowledgeable on the Toro drivetrain. 800-752-7502

His company also recommends repair shops across the country. Granted, this is for the GMC RV but since the entire drive train was lifted directly from the '66 Toronado, you might find a recommended transmission specialist near you.

TH-425 transmission Service in Virginia??

Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2018 5:16 pm
by bcroe
Otto Skorzeny wrote:Contact Jim at http://www.appliedgmc.com
He's extremely knowledgeable on the Toro drivetrain. 800-752-7502

His company also recommends repair shops across the country. Granted, this is for the GMC RV but since the entire drive train was lifted directly from the '66 Toronado, you might find a recommended transmission specialist near you.


You can't go wrong with the GMC people who rely on this trans. Manny is
another. Manny SWP TH425 <mannystrans@gmail.com>

However I will add, if the trans is original, it is way, WAY overdue to get all
the rubber "soft" parts replaced to avoid a failure with very serious damage.
With relatively low mileage, the $30 kit might be all that is needed. Good
hard parts, I just put almost all back in service. Easy for me to say who
can do it myself. Unfortunately shops don't work that way. They want to
take a blown up late model trans and replace everything, not just the age
deteriorated parts of a low milage old trans. Bruce Roe