#8N17 Trans code...decode help

[inheritance]

I can hardly get in there enough to tell what the numbers on the transmission are, but i found a number 8N17 or even 8NI7, on the pass side trans with a stamped oval encasing the numbers. Is that enough for a decode on what tranny i have or do i need more info from the tranny.

[JohnG]

I am looking at William Wonder's excellent book Thunderbird Restoration Guide 1958-66.
For both 58s and 59s there is a section on Transmission I.D.s (pages 28 and 46).

I believe the first number is for the year, so 1958 (8). The second character is for the month (N) and the last two are for the day (17). in your case.

The tough part is the N. He lists January through December as being represented by A- M (I is not used).

So my guess would be that yours translates to January 17 of 1959 at the tail end of the 1958 tranmission run. But that is truly a guess on my part and someone else might jump in here and set things straight or email an authority (which I ain't). A man named Alan Tast is perhaps the real expert on such matters.

The good news is that it precedes the date of manufacture for your car, leaving open the hope that it is the original tranny.

Is it a Cruis-O-Matic?

What was the date of manufacture of your entire car??

John
58 Hardtop

[Dan Leavens]

Tranny Code

Inheritance John's suggestion is very sound. Check the VIN # and then you can work backwards to the tranny code and about when it was made. I would agree that at least it would appear that the tranny is original and should be a Cruise-O-Matic.

John: Long time no talk. How are things on the east coast and I guess you are heading into fall soon with all the colours??

Dano Calgary,Alberta Canada

[Guest]

John this is the second time you have Ref: William Wonder book what type book is this and where did you get it
Bob M

[fomoco59]

John this is the second time you have Ref: William Wonder book what type book is this and where did you get it
Bob M

http://www.amazon.com/Thunderbird-Restoration-1958-1966-Motorbooks-Workshop/dp/0760303908

I have it... good reference book.

[JohnG]

Thanks, Mike!!

Aaron, what do you find for a tag on the bell housing??? It might be interesting to compare the date of mfct of that with the tranny information.

john