I'm restoring a '71 1800. The transmission is a bit rough--especially from 2nd to 3rd. (RPMs get very high before shifting. I'd tell you how high, but my tach doesn't work!) I drained and replaced the fluid and filter, and added a trans fluid conditioner (forget the name).
Questions: 1. What kind of FLUID to I use? My Volvo shop said Dextron, which I used. Should I have used Type F? 2. Any tips for making the shifting smoother--without tearing open the tranny? THANKS for your help!

Type F is correct for the BW35 tranny. If it seems to be shifting at too high an RPM the kick down cable may need to be adjusted. It's attached to the throttle linkage at the firewall. Pressing the throttle pulls the cable, so if you adjust it so it pulls it less, that should lower the shift point RPMs, in theory, anyway. At any rate a fluid change to the type F is in order.
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Lee

Lee, can you shoot me an email? I think i tried sending you one, but i'm not sure... Either way, i can't access your addy because my email isn't linked to my browser. eisenbak(AT)onid.orst.edu Thanks,
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Kyle - attending Ore. State, while my lil 68 142 (74 b20, broken m40) AWAITS ME OUTSIDE!!! (check out my cardomain site, kneedsacar)

Lee,
Thanks very much for your recommendations. I'll give it a try this weekend.
David

type f is correct for the trans. i've HEARD of people using 10w-30 in the volvos and my mgb used sae 30w for the od transmissions. good luck, chuck.

Thanks for the advice. Guess I have to drain that Dextron I just added--but it will be worth it. Thanks