Stripped threads

[hmills]

Well the good news is we (teaching my 15 year old son) drained the transmission (C4) fluid today in the new 'ole 1971 F100, replaced the filter, installed the new gasket and returned the pan to its rightful place.

the bad news is I can't seem to get the fluid filler tube threaded back into the transmission oil pan. I think i crossed a thread going back in. so i tried my darndest to file out the threads but i think one of the threads in the pan may also be stripped. The filler tube threads are 3/4" so finding a tap and die has been impossible - nothing that big at the local autoparts or hardware stores.

anyone have a recommendation ? may need to replace the pan and filler tube. bummer.
HMills

[fordman]

i don't rmember that much about the c4 i had in that falcon i had but common sence tells me when putting bolts in turn then the oppisite way to let the bolt line itself up and then put the bolt in. have you tryed it that way? or have you already had it in and took it back out?

[hmills]

yes I tried backing up first then going in and it goes in one full turn then stops. To make it easier on myself I dismounted the filler tube and took the pan and tube to my workbench to try and thread it but it just won't go. i'm reluctant to try and force it lest I bugger it up worse.

[hmills]

Well after carefully filing the threads I was able to get the filler tube threaded back into the pan and the pan back on the transmission. whew! that was a close one.

[spartman]

Good to hear you got it.

Sometimes that stuff just seems to want to be ornery.

[hmills]

thanks. sometimes you just need to sleep on it and come back the next day.

[ToughOldFord]

And if that doesn't work then try getting angry, cussing, and kicking it across the garage floor.
Then go get some of that free beer!

[flyboy2610]