My transmission soaker

[Rich Eagle]

I wanted to save a couple rusty transmissions from the dump. There may be some good parts there if I can get them apart. This week I spent building a pan that fits the profile so not as much penetrant will be needed. In this case I'm using ATF and lacquer thinner.

Some leftover 22 Ga. galvanized sheet has been taking up space so I cut out shapes and bent corners for soldering. Some plywood from another project made good forms. It took 4 days to make the pan assembly.

I used water to leak test and only 3 small leaks showed up. I added solder there. The next step was to make a stand for it. I was gifted some oak that also has been taking up space. It worked well using some slotted flat head screws to hold it together. Some old turpentine had turned brown and I mixed it with the dirt, oil and grease I had scraped off my '22 Coupe engine. It was as black as India ink and went on he oak very nicely. It seemed appropriate for this stand which looks a little like a potty chair to me now.

Everything I needed was on hand except the ATF and lacquer thinner. I left clearance for the transmission to slide in. 8 quarts of fluid and it isn't full. With the lid I can let this soak for months until I'm ready to try and break things loose.
It was good to put some stuff I've picked up to good use and kept me out of mischief for a week or so. I might have cleaned the shop otherwise.
Rich

[Rich Bingham]

What a great project ! Keep us posted Rich, I hope the transmission yields some good parts. That’s a lot of penetrant even with this most economical vessel. I like that you stained the “potty chair” nice touch !

[John kuehn]

Nice job Rich! Really neat.
I also like to try to rescue old T parts and especially rusted up T transmissions.
Having a farm and being raised on one you learn to be resourceful with what you have but that doesn’t mean doing it it in a get by way.

Here is what I use to clean or soak up old parts and these cattle supplement tubs work just right for T transmissions. They are a little over 5 gal. And work just right.
Sorry abt the pic angle! I use mineral spirits and diesel. Works pretty good.

[perry kete]

That is a great idea...but using all your wife's cake pans means no more birthday cakes for you!

[John kuehn]

Never do that! Unless she throws them out!

[KWTownsend]

Rich-
Beautiful craftmanship, as usual.
My first thought was potty chair, too! You could take it camping...

: ^ )

[Rich Bingham]

John, Bovalix tubs ! Good idea. I also like the idea of using diesel and mineral spirits. Maybe time to explore soaking solutions ? I can’t say I have a lot of experience with them. Usually when I need something like that it’s “right now” and out of desperation. My “kit” stuff has usually been Liquid Wrench, S’Ok, or Knock-er-Loose. They all seem to be pretty much the same and mostly kerosene. Too spendy to get five gallons of them though. I tried the ATF/acetone prescription, I can’t say I was impressed, but I was a little concerned how rapidly the acetone evaporated.

[John kuehn]

Rich, you mentioned bovalix tubs. Is that the material they are made of or a product tub name? Just curious. Depending how badly rusted they are but having patience seems to be part of the process. I use what I have and that’s diesel. Wal Mart has a decent price for mineral spirits so that’s what I use with it. Kerosene has gotten to high to use. Use to be cheaper than diesel years ago but not anymore!
Rich’s transmission soaker is pretty nicely done. Lots of good Ideas can be found for Antique car repair on the forum. It’s always fun to see what others do.

[Rich Eagle]

Full disclosure: On checking the soaker today I noticed and additional item was needed to keep the lid fitting tight to the pan. By not using two complete wooden disks the lid did not stay flat/straight/whatever. This addition makes a better fit.
I am not ready to try acetone but the lacquer has amazed me in some cases. Others were so-so.
Thanks for the comments.

[Rich Bingham]

John, Bovalix is the brand of supplement block I’m familiar with. The tubs are useful but not “bullet proof”

Rich, as you know, acetone is a major ingredient in lacquer thinners, but I don’t think lacquer thinner is quite as volatile as straight acetone. Should work out better, methinks. I like the addition to the transmission tub !!

[John kuehn]

Rich your right about the tubs not being bullet proof. If they are under a shed and out of the hot sunlight they will last and keep from cracking but long term sun exposure is a killer for them.
I had several I pitched out a while back that the sun did a number on them!

[D Stroud]

Speaking of lacquer thinner, does anyone know where the "good stuff" can be purchased? I bought some of the "low odor" stuff a few years ago at the local big box store to remove some boiled linseed oil that had dried out. I might as well have tried to use water. The "lacquer Thinner" didn't even touch it. Back "in the day", Lacquer Thinner would melt enamel type paints in a heartbeat. I'm sure glad that we are being "protected" from ourselves. I don't have any idea how I and my generation have survived this long without "Adult Supervision". End of rant, maybe. Dave

[TRDxB2]

Wouldn't the electrolysis method of removing rust be a cheaper, perhaps quicker, solution? https://www.instructables.com/id/Electr ... aka-Magic/ The Bovalyx tub would be a good container to use too

[RustyFords]

Wow....your "goofing around" projects are nicer than almost everything I put together.

[Nathan Pederson]

Rich, Excellent work on the soaker!
BLACK GRIME=:)



Found this at a garage sale.
The description "Rust Inhibitor" may be somewhat ironic, considering the condition of the can?! Nate

[Rich Eagle]

Thanks for the chuckle Nathan. Those things really amuse me.
And thanks for all the comments.
The transmission I am currently soaking had the ball cap stuck on the drive plate shaft. I suspended the cap from 2x4s hoping the weight of the transmission assembly would pull it loose. I applied penetrating oil for days and nothing happened. Finally I put a bar in the square hole and beat the heck out of it. It came off but had really been stuck.

Now that I think about it I could have still used the soaker pan for that. It just wouldn't have fit all the way in.
It was fun anticipating the trans crashing down on the boards.

[RajoRacer]

Rich - perhaps just a bit more "shoring" would have been justified ?

[Rich Eagle]

I thought about adding a c-clamp but it stayed pretty stable even with the pounding.
Thanks for the thought.
Rich

[Rich Eagle]

After 27 days I had occasion to lift the trans and try the magnet bolts. All turned without breaking. I followed that by disassembling the whole unit. As rusty this one looked on the outside there was a lot of black oil covering the insides. Shiny surfaces meet surface rust and then pitted metal. Most of the gear teeth are badly rusted. I am toying with the idea of seeing how well rusty gears would work but don't have a car for that right now.

I put an early pre-starter trans in the soup today. We''ll see how that turns out. I may just end up with wall decorations.
Rich

[HalSched]

Is there a chance that you could include a picture of YOU so I can see what a genius looks like. Your craftsmanship and paintings are amazing!!!

[D Stroud]

Hal, haven't you been watching the "Kalamity Dick" saga? There are many pictures of Rich on there! Dave

[Henry K. Lee]

As Always.., Super Ideas!

When I lived in England (The country where everything rust) My dear friend would put items in a barrel with water and vinegar. Taking an electric motor ( 1/2 hp) and clamp it to the top on the item but not submerged, let run for a few days. Remove the item and start taking apart while still wet. Comes apart real easy. The light vibration works the fluids into areas, but I would use the ATF and acetone or mineral spirits myself.

Hope this Helps Too,

Hank

[Rich Eagle]

Thanks for the comments.
That is interesting Henry. Somehow it reminds me of the opposite. Two fellows fellows I know put parts in plastic buckets outdoors which filled with rain water. It didn't help them a bit. Sad but true.