Chrysler automatic transmission with clutch ?s

[chadb683]

I have a 1952 Chrysler Windsor Deluxe. 6cyl. It has a fluid drive trans automatic with a clutch. Any one know anything about them? Goods bads how they work, things to check on them before trying to drive. The car has been sitting for at least 10 years i was told and had not beed used for a wile before that to. Any info would be great. Thanks.

[mackster]

There is plenty of info on this forum about the SEMI-AUTOMATIC transmissions. the have several names like tip-toe shift, Hydrive and many others. there is also the allpar website that is always a great help! but first i would suggest you post on the regular forum rather than on the technical archives.

[greg g]

Well it depends, you first need to determine which transmision is behind the fluid drive unit, as they are seperate units. This causes a lot of confusion for folks new to early MOPARS. DeSotos could have been equipped with two drive trains. Fluid drive backed up by a three speed standard shift transmission, and the fluid drive backed up by an M4 or M6 semi automatic transmission. (52=M6)

in boths cases you need to use the clutch for moving from one gear selection to the other, however, once a gear is selected the car can be driven using brake and gas only.

So you need to figure out which trans you have before further discussion can take place.

Another source for information is the Imperial Club site which in the repair section has very good stuff on the semi auto's.

One thing important with either transmission, there is no mechanical connection between the engine and the transmission when the engine is not running. Therefor a properly functioning emergency/parking brake or wheel chocks are necessary to keep your car stationary when parked. Quite a few folks have found their fluid drive cars off visiting neighbors is they have any slope in their driveway. So make sure your car is secure before you leave it.

[Rusty O'Toole]

A 52 Chrysler will have a Fluid Drive or Fluid Torque Drive transmission. You can tell which because it will be marked on the shift quadrant.

Your trans is a cross between a manual and automatic. In fact it is one of the first automatics on the market.

Driving technique is simple. Put the trans in neutral and set the hand brake. Start the engine and let it warm up. Step on the clutch, shift into high, and release the clutch. The car will sit there idling like a typical automatic.

When you are ready to go release the brake, step on the gas and away you go.

At this point you will be in low. To shift into high, once you get going 14 MPH or more, lift your foot off the gas pedal. You should hear a soft *click-clack* from under the floor boards. Now you are in high gear. Step on the gas and go someplace lol.

If you come to a stop the trans will shift back to low automatically. Just come to a stop like an automatic and take off again by stepping on the gas. No need to touch the clutch. When you get up to 14 MPH or more, lift off the gas etc.

There is also a low range for slow driving, starting on a hill, with a heavy load, or in snow, sand or mud. In low range you shift into high the same way but at 6 MPH or more.

On the highway, if you are in high gear and you tramp on the gas pedal it will kick down like a typical automatic, at any speed up to 50.

To shift into Reverse, or into High Range or Low Range you need to use the clutch.

You can also start off like a standard trans by slipping the clutch but it is kind of funny. You should just release the clutch and let the fluid drive do its stuff. You do not need to slip the clutch or maybe just a little for smooth engagement.

The Fluid Drive system is one of the simplest, most trouble free and rugged of the early automatics. It is pretty simple, if it gives trouble it is usually just low on oil or maybe the wiring is messed up. There is an electrical control system to control the shifts. The wiring and controls are all on the outside of the trans, easy to get to and easy to diagnose and service. There are 2 wires that go from the coil, to a control box, to the carburetor, then to the transmission. Those 2 wires control the whole system, very simple.

Your car probably has a quadrant like an automatic. When you go to shift into Reverse you have to pull the lever towards you as you shift, there is quite a stop to prevent shifting too far.

Or if it is the older style it will have a shifter like a manual 3 speed but with only 2 speeds or ranges. Reverse, towards you and down. Low range away from you and straight up. High range straight down.

There are manuals on line you can look up if necessary but this should be enough info to get you going. Chances are you will not have to do anything or check anything. Come back and ask again if you have any problems.

Edited February 7, 2012 by Rusty O'Toole

[chadb683]

Thanks guys

[40P10touring sedan]

I thought I heard that the semi autos had a red clutch pedal while the standard fluid drives didn't...so long as that pedal hasn't been changed this could be an easy way to tell...if it hasn't been changed.

Wish my 40 had a fluid drive!

[Dodgeb4ya]

Hy Drives had a red pedal as I recall.

[Rusty O'Toole]

The original pedal said "Safety Clutch" on it. Most of the old pedal pads have been worn out and changed.

Chrysler could have put a vacuum clutch on and had a full automatic drive but they didn't. This struck me as odd, they knew how to do it - they offered a vacuum clutch in the 30s, before fluid drive!

I guess they figured it was a safety feature. In those days automatics were new and everyone was used to a standard, in an emergency they would instinctively hit the clutch pedal. With the new wide brake pedal (first used by Studebaker in 1951) you could put the whole family through the windshield!