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**lawyercalif** · December 21, 2016, 07:29 PM

I put a C6 behind a 390 in my 59. It was an easy swap.

**Tbird1044** · December 21, 2016, 08:58 PM

Did you have to change the starter and flywheel when you put in the C6?

Nyles

**Yadkin** · December 22, 2016, 08:56 AM

The Cruise-O is a great transmission, so if you have one, consider rebuilding it. Find a local non-franchised shop. Or if you're adventurous, do it yourself. The Shop Manual has detailed instructions. You will need an inch-pound torque wrench for a few minutes during reassembly.

**sidewalkman** · December 22, 2016, 10:03 AM

Originally posted by Yadkin

The Cruise-O is a great transmission, so if you have one, consider rebuilding it. Find a local non-franchised shop. Or if you're adventurous, do it yourself. The Shop Manual has detailed instructions. You will need an inch-pound torque wrench for a few minutes during reassembly.

It's a good transmission but certainly has some weaknesses, like the tail shaft casing being prone to breaking under load. I think the C6 conversion is a good idea for anyone putting some extra HP in front of it.

If you do a search I remember reading a complete thread on the conversion and what was involved.

**pbf777** · December 22, 2016, 10:17 AM

QUOTE: Did you have to change the starter and flywheel when you put in the C6? Nyles

It will be necessary to use the FE flexplate and starter as installed on the FE engine application C6 transmission. (1958 - 1960 MELs) Scott.

**toddgilroy** · December 22, 2016, 08:32 PM

Speaking of transmission rebuild...any advice on cleaning up and refinishing a COM aluminum tail?

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**Joe Johnston** · December 22, 2016, 08:49 PM

Plastic media or glass bead blasting.

**Yadkin** · December 23, 2016, 09:18 AM

Or a wire brush on a grinding wheel. To finish, powder coat "super chrome", which is really aluminum, or on the cheap, "chrome" or "silver" engine paint, which is really aluminum.

**scumdog** · December 23, 2016, 04:34 PM

Originally posted by Yadkin

Or a wire brush on a grinding wheel. To finish, powder coat "super chrome", which is really aluminum, or on the cheap, "chrome" or "silver" engine paint, which is really aluminum.

Some of those 'chrome' paints don't last very long if oil or gas gets on, likewise if they are handled at all, just thought I'd throw that caveat in there.

**toddgilroy** · December 23, 2016, 08:54 PM

I had some walnut shells under the blasting cabinet and that took most of the oxidation off. I might try the wire brush to smooth it out a little more...and I like the powder coating idea.

What have you guys done to refinish the bell housing?

Thanks!
Todd

**partsetal** · December 24, 2016, 09:35 AM

Since the bell housings were not coated originally, I use a paint that looks like fresh cast iron. 'Cast Blast' is one name I can recall, or you can put a heavy coat of flattened clear on it after it has been well cleaned.
Carl

**Yadkin** · December 25, 2016, 05:28 PM

Originally posted by scumdog

Some of those 'chrome' paints don't last very long if oil or gas gets on, likewise if they are handled at all, just thought I'd throw that caveat in there.

I powder coated mine over a year ago. Still looks great.

**jhenry** · January 8, 2017, 11:09 PM

Someone put a mid-60's FMX trans in a 1960 I had. I swapped back to the original Cruise-o-matic. Fortunately, they had retained the original bellhousing and flywheel. The only part I had to replace was the slip yoke which was a different diameter. Otherwise the FMX bolted right in using the original mount and hardware.

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1960 Transmission replacement

1960 Transmission replacement

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