The subject car is a 1955 Buick Super, the problem is a very weak reverse gear. Takes a full rev just to get it to budge in reverse. Forward gears appear fine. Everything shifts smoothly and no noises are present. Any thoughts on what I should be looking for?

Thanks!

 

It has been a long time with this .
I believe your vehicle has a TWIN TURBINE DYNAFLOW TRANS.
If a fluid and filter change don't help, you are going to have to have the trans opened up and check reverse clutch assy for wear and internal leakage of seals.. A job to give to a trans shop if you are not equipped and Parts could be a problem.
Per my recollection ,the dynaflow in Drive ,does not do any shifting , one speed for all forward movement. Low just provided more torque.

 

You are correct on the transmission type (should have mentioned that myself). The transmission fluid was low when I got the car, leading me to think that was the issue but even after topping it off, I had a hard time backing it out of the shop. I will drop the pan and clean out the filter and see if that helps.

 

You can tell it's been a long time I meant Variable pitch Dynaflow.
If you can, get a trans filter kit . It comes with a filter and gasket.

 

No worries, I ordered a new gasket today but haven't found a filter yet.

 

Where does one find the filter for sale? Or can I just clean the one that's in it?

 

You have to excuse me for not recalling as much as I would like. There possibly was no filter in them .

 

That would explain why I'm not finding it...