413 with 727 Transmission - Repair or Replace - Suggestions?

[Acuda4me]

Okay, So now my new-to-me Commander will move under it's own power (AND stop), but has no reverse. I'm guessing the 1st-Reverse band is toast. So it looks like a tranny R&R is in my immediate future. Of course, I COULD just drop the original 727 with Parking brake, drop it off at a local trans rebuilder, reinstall and be done with it for presumably another 40 years. But I'm wondering if there is anything that is a direct bolt up to the 413 that might be findable used (I'll admit it, I'm a cheap b-stardo) and somewhat of an upgrade? I live in the greater Los Angeles area, so every kind of salvage yard under the Sun is within easy reach. I understand I might lose my parking brake on the tranny (seems to be useless anyway). What do you seasoned professionals think?

[Oz]

From a message search "transmission swap"

Here's some thoughts to ponder:

http://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/index.php?topic=6323.msg25441#msg25441

http://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/index.php?topic=744.msg744#msg744

The second one seems pretty in-depth and from a member who actually did the swap.  It's in a Minnie but, it's the same creature in essence.

[Acuda4me]

Another thought: theses are cable shifted, no? Could my cable be stretched or out of adjustment?

[Oz]

That's always a possibility.  Just like when you get a geared bicycle.  After some time and use, the cable stretches and needs to be adjusted.

The one thing I learned here which is the most important is to start with the easiest things first.  Most of the time, that's exactly what it turns out to be.