I'm trying to get my Dad's 1956 Imperial roadworthy again, and one issue i'm having right now is what type of automatic transmission fluid to use. The service manual calls for 'Type A'. Hah! Try and find that.

I'm seeing that some guys are using Dexron 3 or Dexron 6 as a replacement, but opinions are all over the place. Is it safe to mix synthetic with conventional?

The transmission is the two-speed, pushbutton automatic (Powerflite?)

What say you?

You can find Type 'A' but it's a pain.

Type 'A'

When I went through this with my local NAPA ( and the counterman is very, very good) he came up with Dexron III/Mercon as the substute for Type 'A'.

Type 'A' Substitute

Type F

Check the grocery stores. I bought some from Winn Dixie once. Warren Oils is the manufacturer.

Type A ATF was the U.S standard for all automatic trans made for U.S. made cars until Ford came up with the type F formula to reduce slipping in their trannies in the mid 1960, I think
Dextron/Mercron came along after that and so on.

I think my moms Studebaker took Type A too. But the norm was to add half a can of STP (Studebaker Tested Products *) to it.




*STP was "Scientifically Treated Petroleum" until Studebaker bought the company in early 1961. 1961-1978

i always thought STP was "Studebaker Tickled Pink".

Been using universal power steering fluid in my old FL power steering boxes.

The internals have changed little from the time of the transition from ATF to dedicated P/S fluid.

Just use Dexron I used it in my 57 and the 62.Never a problem.I would not use Ford type as its slicker and IIRC clutches in old trany might not like it.Even when I had my 60 etc years ago I used Dexron.Tranny shop used it also.Rocky