Hey all,

I was considering converting my 72 auto to a Manual transmission. The car is not numbers matching so I am not too concerned with the Original condition of the car more just making it more fun to drive.

Have any of you done this?
Is it something an intermediate skilled guy can do?

One of the reasons I got the car was to re-learn my auto mechanical skills so I kind of feel a little guilty not taking this opportunity to learn but I also don't want to wreck the car because it has taken me 34 years to get it.

Opinions?

Thanks in advance!!

Doing this mod is doable, but is somewhat involved.

The most difficult part is the clutch linkage. The manual frames had a bracket welded to the frame to provide a pivot for the Z-bar. Welding this to the frame with the body on the frame is difficult at best. Another option would be to use a hydraulic clutch release, then you would not need the bracket. You would however need the proper bellhousing to accommodate the slave cylinder to release the clutch. Once you have this worked out, the trans mounting to the crossmember would need to be altered for the mount to fit. Then the issue of adjusting the length of the driveshaft.

There are complete kits available that address each of these issues by Richmond gears and Keisler. Check their websites for more info.


Bill

I have the same idea of putting a 5 speed or 6 speed from a later year camaro with a hydraulic clutch and was what everyone thought would be the problems. I have an idea of some problems but thought others could come up with more.

that bracket is a weld on,but a 80 to 81 bracket is a bolt on, i just did this convertion on my 79m it very in involved and yuo need alot of parts.