C3 Manual 4 sp to auto question

[Dale P.]

IF (very large IF) I wanted to convert my 68 427/400 .. to an auto .. other than the very obvious (flywheel, trans, linkage, etc changes) what other issues would be large hills to over come? for example would I need to modify the opening in the floor? what about changing drive shafts? Nuetral safety switches? would I need to change the cross memeber?

The second part of the question is how hard is it to add A/c .. I know that I need to buy all the parts .. does someone make an entire kit? Should I stay with NOS stuff (even though the car never had A/C .. but is a real 427/400 car .. some what rare)

[William C.]

Re: C3 Manual 4 sp to auto question

As I recall, the auto trans cars use a removable crossmember to get the trans in and out from the bottom for service, the manual trans frame has a welded in crossmember. Also, don't forget to check to see if the radiotor needs to be swappwd out for one with a cooler. I don't have an aim here for a '68 but it should give you a pretty good feel for what is involved. With respect to your other questions, the answer to most of them is yes, you would need to change at least the trans yoke, and neutral safety switch. I can't speak to the floor opening, but I think it is ok.

[Jim T.]

Re: C3 Manual 4 sp to auto question

Dale I am not sure, however check a 68 with the a turbo from the factory and look for any modification to the tunnel at the factory, this would be on the passenger side.

[Jack H.]

Trying to convert to factory A/C....

is one (*&*^ of a job. Plus, when you're done, you've got a system that's somewhat 'marginal' compared to today's technology. Why not shop folks like Vintage Air for a modern add-in system?

[Dale P.]

Re: Trying to convert to factory A/C....

thanks .. for all the good advice ... Vintage air seems to be willing to help me out with that part . the 4 sp conversion ... is still up in the "AIR"

[Mark #28455]

Do you want to do it "right"?

The easiest way to convert a 4 speed to an auto is to find a wrecking yard with an earlier 70's base engine automatic car, then cut a deal to get "all" the parts at once. I'm talking everything from the frame crossmember to the shifter and pedals and even the trans, converter and flywheel. Or maybe try a seller who is parting one out on e-bay and happens to live within about 4 hours of you.

As for the crossmember, the factory did it that way for a reason, and the "correct" exhaust won't fit any other way.

Factory A/C? Same deal, get all the parts from a donor car. This will be a much harder swap than the auto trans because the vents in the cowl area gotta go - do you want to pull off your front clip to do it right? I guess the aftermarket A/C looks better by the minute!

Good luck,
Mark

[Anthony F.]

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 Manual 4 sp to auto question

It all just sounds like WAY too much work to me.

The trans tunnel of an automatic car IS wider, extending further into the passenger's footwell near the front. At least, this is true for 70-72 so I somewhat assume it's true for 68.

I'd start with a NOM car with auto and AC, and drop in a big block if that's what you're really after. But that's just me. FAR less work.

Patrick

[Harmon C.]

Patrick I like your Idea!!!!!!!!!!

You got the best idea and you end up with a beater with AIR and a show car that's still is correct. The best of both worlds.

Lyle

[Patrick H.]

Re: Patrick I like your Idea!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Lyle.

I just couldn't imagine doing the other two tasks on a car with a 427/400. Too much to lose including money. You and I both know how tough adding factory AC would be, much less the trans swap.

I've had people ask how you can tell if a 72 LT-1 with AC really had AC from the factory. I tell them it's really quite easy. AC is SO TOUGH to add in its factory correct configuration that you'd be better off checking if it's a real LT-1 than if it's a real AC car.

Patrick