1961 Catalina Transmission Problem

[torquesmackee]

Hi, I'm new to the forums, but I had a question that only seems to get -vaguely- answered on the internet. I recently acquired a '61 Catalina with the original 389 in it (original exhaust manifolds and everything), backed by the original Roto-Hydramatic ("Slim-Jim") transmission. The engine turns over and starts very easily, however, I was told when I purchased the vehicle that the transmission didn't work. This was not a big concern for me, as I only paid 600 dollars for the car anyway.

I scanned online forums for help concerning getting the transmission fixed, but the general feeling I'm getting is that those old "Slim-Jim" trannys are, for lack of better words, junk. I have a TH350 I'd like to put behind the 389, but the '61 model engine had starters that bolt to the transmission bellhousing instead of the engine block itself (I think pontiac switched over to engine-mounted starters in '64 or '65).

I know Bendtsen sells an adapter kit for these engines so that standard chevy bolt pattern transmissions (TH350, TH400, 700r4, etc) can bolt up to the engine, but I don't have the money to spend on it ($800.00), plus the fact that I'd spend more on an adapter kit than the car cost me in the first place sort of puts a damper on that idea.

So my question is this: Does anyone know of a transmission that will fit the older style BOP pattern on the engine (where the starter bolts to the tranny) and can be used on the 389? I'd like to know which transmissions they are, what years they were made (the ones that meet my needs, that is. I know that buick used to have a BOP TH400, but I believe the bolt pattern changed during the 60's), and if anyone knows where I could find one.

Thanks!

 

[melsg5]

Assuming you are not going to drive the car alot, I would just rebuild the trani, here is a source for parts

http://www.autotran.us/rhmkits1.html

 

[greck48]

transmission

i have read that 61-64 used a slim jim (roto-hydromatic) transmission that was smaller than the 4 speed hydromatic in bonnieville so the transmission tunnel was also smaller. so b/4 getting a replacement, be sure there is room to fit it in.

 

[cammerjeff]

I would think the trans tunnel on a Catalina and Bonneville would be the same, but I am no expert on the 59-63 Full size cars. I did find a used rotomatic at Franks for $250 plus delivery, no core charge but no warrenty either.

http://www.frankspontiacparts.com/engineparts/transmissionparts.htm

They also have a larger Turbohydromatic 4-speed for $250

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[melsg5]

Guys just thought I would point out the original post is from 2012, thanks.

 

[mtaz4260]

Substitution for a 1961 Pontiac Catalina 3 speed Slim Jim transmisssion

For a 1961 Pontiac you can use a 1961 Pontiac 4 speed automatic transmission, but they may be just as costly to overhaul unless you know someone who has one or you can find a good one for not too much money.