Manual or Automatic

[Thomas F.]

My 69 Vette has a 4 speed transmission with a bolted on cross member. I have read that cars with automatic transmissions had the bolted on cross members and cars with manual transmissions had welded on cross members. Is this true? Are there any other clues as to which transmission originally came in my car? I suspect my car was an automatic changed to a 4 speed.

[Joe L.]

Re: Manual or Automatic

My 69 Vette has a 4 speed transmission with a bolted on cross member. I have read that cars with automatic transmissions had the bolted on cross members and cars with manual transmissions had welded on cross members. Is this true? Are there any other clues as to which transmission originally came in my car? I suspect my car was an automatic changed to a 4 speed.

Thomas------


Yes, that's how it was. Manual transmission 1969's used a welded-in transmission crossmember and automatic-equipped cars used a bolted-in crossmember.

Most likely, the car was converted. The only other possibility is that it had the frame replaced at some point. A used automatic frame could have been used. Also, after 1979 all GM SERVICE frames were of the bolted-in crossmember type.

[Terry M.]

Re: Manual or Automatic

Thomas------


Yes, that's how it was. Manual transmission 1969's used a welded-in transmission crossmember and automatic-equipped cars used a bolted-in crossmember.

Most likely, the car was converted. The only other possibility is that it had the frame replaced at some point. A used automatic frame could have been used. Also, after 1979 all GM SERVICE frames were of the bolted-in crossmember type.

I remember once judging a car with a SERVICE frame. Not only did it have a bolt-in cross member, but it had the welded tab for the clutch cross shaft. It was a one-size-fits-all.

[Peter S.]

Re: Manual or Automatic

Are there any other clues as to which transmission originally came in my car? I suspect my car was an automatic changed to a 4 speed.

Hi Thomas,

If it was originally a 4-speed, and that transmission is the original transmission, you should find your VIN derivative stamped on the case.