1964 BUICK ELECTRA

Symptoms: Slipping between gears, especially 1st to 2nd, Delayed engagement when shifting into Drive or Reverse, Burnt transmission fluid smell or dark red/brown fluid, Clunking or grinding noises during shifts

Fix: Full rebuild required in most survivors due to age-hardened seals and worn clutch packs. Expect 12-16 hours labor for removal, rebuild, and reinstall. Original Dynaflow parts are scarce; many shops swap to TH400 if frame mounts allow.

Estimated cost: $2,800-4,500

Symptoms: Puddles under the rear of engine after sitting overnight, Oil dripping from bellhousing area, Visible seepage around timing chain cover, Low oil pressure warnings if leak is severe

Fix: Rear main seal requires transmission removal; 8-10 hours labor. Timing cover can be done engine-in but needs accessory removal; 4-6 hours. Nailhead gaskets are reproduction quality—hit or miss. Many techs do both seals simultaneously to avoid repeat labor.

Estimated cost: $1,200-2,200

Symptoms: Hard starting when cold, requires excessive cranking, Rough idle or stalling at stop lights, Hesitation or stumbling during acceleration, Black smoke from exhaust indicating rich condition

Fix: Rochester 4-barrel carbs on these engines clog easily after sitting. Full disassembly, ultrasonic cleaning, and rebuild kit installation takes 3-5 hours. Fuel tank often needs boiling or replacement due to varnish. Replace all rubber fuel lines—originals turn to paste.

Estimated cost: $600-1,400

Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Heavy knocking noise from lower engine, worse under load, Metal shavings in oil or on magnetic drain plug, Oil pressure dropping below 10 psi at idle when warm, Visible crankshaft endplay or wobble if flywheel removed

Fix: Nailhead cranks can crack at journals if oil changes were neglected. Requires full teardown; crank must be machined or replaced. Budget 20-28 hours for engine removal, disassembly, machine work, and reassembly. NOS cranks are $800-1,500 if yours is unrepairable.

Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500

Symptoms: Transmission fluid dripping near radiator or under front of car, Low fluid level causing slip or delayed shifts, Pink fluid mixed with coolant in radiator overflow (internal cooler leak), Rust stains on frame rails beneath cooler lines

Fix: Original steel lines rust through at frame contact points. Replacement with pre-bent or custom brake line takes 2-3 hours. If internal radiator cooler fails, trans fluid mixes with coolant—requires radiator removal, flush, and full trans service. Total 6-8 hours.

Estimated cost: $400-1,200

Symptoms: Excessive engine movement felt through floor during acceleration, Clunking when shifting from Park to Drive, Vibration at idle that wasn't there before, Fan contacting shroud or radiator due to engine sag

Fix: Rubber mounts deteriorate from heat and age. Both engine mounts and trans mount should be done together; 3-4 hours with engine support. Original-style mounts are available reproduction, but some use polyurethane for longevity at cost of NVH.

Estimated cost: $500-900