How hard would it be to put a 4 on the floor in a '64 cutlass that has a column auto shifter in it? I figure I can manage putting pedals in and stuff, but would I need new cross-bracing and what not for the tranny underneath. What would be the steps one would have to take?

 

nobody can comment on what this would take?

 

To do a conversion, you roughly need:

*Pedal assembly
*Z-bar and related linkage
*bellhousing, flywheel, clutch, pressure plate, throw out bearing, fork
*trans of choice
*shifter

You would probably want to swap the column too, but can make the existing work. The crossmember may work, not sure on that year. Would have to most likely change the length of the driveshaft too.

Look in a service manual for an exploded diagram to give you a better idea. You can also contact companies that specialize in conversions, like Keisler, and see what they have to offer. Most are a one-stop shop.

Do your homework. Do internet searches for 'automatic to manual conversion' or something like that with your year/body style car, see what results you get.

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Don't forget the speedo will be different also.

 

Really? What's different there? I think the cable attaches to the trans the same as the auto, doesn't it? Like I said, not that familiar with the 64s.

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Not sure about 64 but on a 69 it won't say have park neutral, reverse etc in the speedo

 

Oh yeah! Duh! Forgot about that one! Good catch!

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Check out www.thepartsplaceinc.com for pedals etc. for conversions.

 

I did it on a 1966 F-85. I used a donor Cutlass and pulled the tilt column, seats console, trans bell housing, and all other parts we needed. The only piece I had to fabracate was the tab on the frame for the clutch Z-bar. It was easly if you can weld.

My best advice is to try and find a donor car.

My buddy took all the parts out of my F-85 and put the Cutlass back together with the 2 speed auto. He still runs it today.

 

all good info to know. I am trying to find a donor car. Would auto console be less difficult? I'd imagine I'd just have to cut a hole in the floorboard to accomidate the shifter, but is it the same cross-member? Like I said I can handle pedal and z-bar stuff, but if I have to start hacking away at the body and framework forgeddaboudit.

 

Parts

Pedals
Z bar
z bar linkage/rods
bell housing
clutch fork
flywheel
clutch
trans
shifter
pilot bearing adapter
throw out bearing
floor shift steering column

The dash has PRNDL not the speedometer. Its an aesthetics thing, not functional.

Trans cross member is the same. You will need to cut a hole in the floor for the shifter. Then weld on the right shifter hole cover/porch.

You will also need to weld onto the frame the Z bar bracket.

You also will have to cut a hole in the lower column seal plate. The clutch pedal rod goes thru it.

 

excellent. Just what I was looking for as it doesn't sound like it's out of my reach. I was a fabrication welder at one time so that doesn't scare me, I pretty sure I can make some body modifications. Much thanks for the input TK65 and others.