Hey I am in the Chicagoland area and just purchase a 1970 Cutlass convertible that was a 3-speed manual I want to switch it to automatic and I talked to a really good transmission shop and he's saying 1450 converted and also install a floor shifter but I would need to get a flywheel also is this a good price???

 

It's somewhat difficult to judge a shop's pricing methods unless you actually know all the details of the labor being preformed and the actual parts being provided... P/H Rate, total hours quoted for the job, cost of any parts being installed, type of trans (350/400), radiator change for trans cooling lines, etc... The $1450 doesn't sound totally unreasonable for a complete change over, especially considering the labor/parts necessary... An itemized quote showing a list of labor and parts would be good to have so as not to be hit with additional charges as the job progresses...

 

Considering the price of a trans, torque converter, and a shifter alone your probably at around $800. Then ad labor, I'd say probably on the cheap side.

 

You can get a brand new flex plate for that no problem. I had a TH 400 rebuilt for $1,200 with a shift kit and new converter 2 years ago so I'd say yes.

 

Def in the ballpark. By me I was quoted $1500 just to rebuild the Turbo 350 on a 79 TA. Just make sure your understanding of what you are getting is 100% clear. New/used parts, etc. Seems weird he's giving you a shifter (lot to chose from & personal preference) but you have to get the flex plate. Also confirm if he's giving you all your parts back.

 

I'll be the one to say it....that's a rather rare car being a vert stick cutlass. Are you sure you don't want to simply put in a 4 speed? Much easier/cheaper. Shame to go from stick auto unless your health dictates it?
If you must do the conversion save all the removed parts so they can go with the car if you ever sell it.
$1500 is cheap IMO.

 

It's too bad you aren't learning to drive and like the 3 speed on the column. It's virtually theft-proof. I think I'm the only one under 40 that knows how to drive one.

 

So true, sadly no one has stepped up to make them shift better,faster..
The linkage was iffie when new..

 

how do you know it's a column shift?

 

Yes good price. but a few things.
1) you need a flex plate not a flywheel..
2)ask if this price includes a new radiator with the transmission cooler and lines?
If not add that cost to this.. and coolant
They may need to rework the driveshaft.. and exhaust..
Make sure this also includes them wiring the "n" safety switch in the new shifter.. and "r" lights .


I'd ask more questions so you don't get a shock once the job is done.. of a bigger bill, or needing to do more work.


The swap requires more than just the trans ,converter, and shifter..
the wiring, the cooler lines and new radiator, and coolant refill..


good luck

 

I assumed it's a three-on-the-tree since the original post indicated "...install a floor shifter..."
That said, you should sell me the convertible, and buy an automatic!

 

2x but you are right, didn't want to say it. I had a friend of mine that had one years ago, floor shift, I think it was a 68 or 69. And that's the only one I've ever seen with a 3 speed floor shift.

 

Sounds reasonable to me. However, be wary of estimates... as CRUZN 66 suggests.

 

You also have to consider detent cable for a T350 or kickdown switch and wiring for a T400.

 

Post a picture of the estimate for us to look over in case something is not on it. You definitely need a written estimate or anything can happen. Post pictures of the car too.

Some speculating on what you may need follows:
A console and mounting brackets is a couple hundred unless you're seat is bench, then you'll need buckets or aftermarket auto shifter mounted to the floor.
steering column without the shift handle couple hundred $ unless you leave the stub on the existing column.
shifter and cable couple hundered $
Transmission and mount. $$
Possibly back drive mechanism $
neutral safety switch $
trans fluid lines and radiator ( if radiator you have lacks trans cooler) $$
flex plate and all bolts associated with the changeover. $
possibly a yoke or driveshaft length adjustment $
as mentioned kick down cables and wires. $
Modulator line$
Remove clutch pedal $
Fluids $
labor rate per hour?
Other items as necessary.

 

The original column is still in tact looks as if the pin to hold the column shift was just removed.

I do have the bench seat.

The cost includes removal of clutch pedal.

I was saying floor shifter because the hole from manual shifter already exist and I prefer over column shifter

2nd owner of car replaced radiator with newer aluminum one when it was restored and I presume it has all the necessary lines

900 for trans and install not sure if it's New or rebuilt
250 for b+m floor shifter..150 for Labor
And 150 for whatever hoses I needed

So I need a flex plate not a fly wheel???

This was just a phone quote he gave to get a ballpark figure gotta actually take it for him to actually see it...he has done Trans jobs on a few buddies cars

 

Flex plate is what torque converter bolts to
flywheel is heavy plate that clutch bolts to

 

I interpret it was a 3 on the tree which someone converted to a 3 on the floor?

 

You'll need the
-transmission mount
-modulator line that goes up to the carb (can be made/bent from brake/fuel steel line) and 2 pieces of rubber hoses and a clamp or two to keep the line from moving
- kick down cable if not included with rebuilt transmission
- kick down cable bracket that mounts to intake and the stud that it connects to on your carb linkage
-dip stick and tube
-flex plate
-new flexplate to crank bolts and red lock tight
-flexplate to converter bolts


items that may need to be reworked changed
-drive shaft yoke
-driveshaft cut if to long and a new tube if to short
-exhaust
- transmission speedo gears either the driven gear or both the drive and driven gears.. to get the speedo in car to read correctly..


FYI I'd know what size (tall) tires you have and the rear end gears, so you can know what color gears you need in the transmission . the driven gear is easy to swap the drive requires the tail housing to come off, and if that happens you'll need a new gasket , or they'll use rtv..

 

A three speed manual is a very unique Cutlass. Great conversation piece.

 

Sounds way too chap. I'd be wary. Get more estimates.

 

It is your car, but I hate to see something so unique go away and not be seen again.