Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1954 Chrysler transmission fluid, whale oil, chryler

Question
HI, I have a 1954 Chryler windsor with the 2 speed automatic. The manual says to use Type "AF" Transmission fluid. I wondered what the modern equivelent would be. I see type AF fluid still listed for tractors, but am unsure if this is the same. Thanks for your help.

Answer
This is a "Powerflight" transmission, and it uses the same fluid as most modern transmissions.  The modern equivalent is Dexron/Mercon III.  The transmission takes 12 quarts.

If you have a reason to change the fluid (due to some transmission problem), use the modern stuff.  If you have no problems with your transmission, my advice is to leave the original fluid in it - it was much better for the car than the modern stuff, but is no longer available - it was made from whale oil, which is no longer legal to harvest.  If you are not sure, the way to tell what is in your transmission is to look at the fluid - if it is yellowish, and very slippery, it's the original stuff.  If it is red, it already has modern fluid in it.

Dick