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How to Identify Vintage Automatic Transmissions

If you are a vintage car enthusiast who loves to rebuild engines as well as bodies, you may be interested in finding vintage automatic transmissions. These can be found online or if you are adventurous, at auto parts dealerships. Before spending money on an old automatic transmission that doesn't suit your model of car, it's important to identify the transmission that you are purchasing and confirm that it works for your car. There are plenty of vintage cars in all models and makes from GM to Ford to Chrysler to Mercedes and many others. Each has a particular nomenclature in labeling and therefore, identifying its transmissions. The steps below present a general process to research and identify transmissions for all vintage cars.

Things You'll Need

Hoist
Rags
Water
Internet
Vintage car specialist

Instructions

- 1
  Hoist your vehicle up so you can get under the vehicle and find the information you need.
- 2
  Locate the ID plate, which is usually around the transmission just above the transmission pan. It is located in various places, depending on the make of your vehicle but it should be readily found around the actual transmission. Dip your rag in hot water and rub off any dirt and oil that has accumulated in the ID plate.
- 3
  Write down the code that is stamped into the ID plate on a piece of paper.
- 4
  Look for the VIN numbers and other date codes that may be stamped into the transmission. Write down all of this information. The objective is to collect as much information about your transmission as possible.
- 5
  Consult the Internet for the specific model and year of the car you own. Each company has its own way of labeling its transmission. The information contained on the ID plate usually contains the type of car, year of make and transmission type. Compare the information from your vintage transmission to that on the company websites to identify your transmission.
- 6
  Consult a vintage car specialist if you have a rare car that is not detailed on the company website. These experts may have the information you need to find or identify the transmission you need.

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