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Wondering if anyone has posted a roadmap chart for getting from the fluids recommended in our fifties manuals, to what’s available at the auto store today? What to use as substitute for: ATF Type A, SAE 50 oil (engine air and crankcase filters), SAE 90 lube (rear differential), etc?
Roger Hubbs
50W and 80/90W gear oil should be off the shelf items at your local parts store, while Dexron is the universal transmission fluid typically used these days.
It's supposed to be fun!
1949 De Soto Custom Convertible (project)
Dexron III specifically for the ATF is what you need, at least for the Powerflites and Torqueflites.
For motor oil, we typically run 10w-40 in our cars and have never had issues. No need for a zinc additive unless you're breaking in the motor in which case you will also want assembly lube.
For what it's worth, I've been using Type F (Ford) trans fluid in my '55 Powerflite since the early '80's. After buying the car at that time with 32,000 miles, I had the trans serviced at a trans shop known for doing a lot of racing transmission work. He said Type F had a better friction coefficient (or some such reason) and that is what he used for the refill. Still works fine aside from minor leakage, so I continue to replace with Type F.
Mark
