1969 - Apx cost to convert manual to automatic?

[Richard M.]

I'm on the hunt to locate a 69 small block convertible for a friend. I found a nice 4 speed car, but he wants a automatic transmission. I may need a inspection done as the car is far from me and I can't travel to see it.

What ballpark cost to do a conversion, including acquiring the rebuilt trans and swapping out at a shop, pedal, shifter, misc changes, etc. I can't do this stuff anymore.

Does a manual car have a removable crossmember, or would that have to be done too?

What was the stock automatic? Turbo 400?

Thanks,
Rich

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 - Apx cost to convert manual to automatic?

I'm on the hunt to locate a 69 small block convertible for a friend. I found a nice 4 speed car, but he wants a automatic transmission. I may need a inspection done as the car is far from me and I can't travel to see it.

What ballpark cost to do a conversion, including acquiring the rebuilt trans and swapping out at a shop, pedal, shifter, misc changes, etc. I can't do this stuff anymore.

Does a manual car have a removable crossmember, or would that have to be done too?

What was the stock automatic? Turbo 400?

Thanks,
Rich

Rich------

I can't offer anything on the cost to convert. However, I can answer these:

manual transmission C3 DO NOT have removeable crossmembers; they are welded to the frame

all 1968-74 C3 with automatic transmission used THM-400.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1969 - Apx cost to convert manual to automatic?

Automatic cars also have modified floor pans to allow for the larger size of the transmission.
Frankly, it's far cheaper just to find a car with an automatic.

[Joseph S.]

Re: 1969 - Apx cost to convert manual to automatic?

Rich & Patrick, I was thinking the same thing. By the time you remove the dash, column and pedals to replace all that. Then the crossmember modifications, you might be in the 50 to 60 hrs of labor range. You'd be much better off financially and have less headaches just finding an Automatic car.

[Richard M.]

Re: 1969 - Apx cost to convert manual to automatic?

Gents,

Thanks. For 2 months I cannot find anything worth inspecting. This one seems like a good one but manual.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1605681424

Rich

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1969 - Apx cost to convert manual to automatic?

I can't believe you couldn't find a nice 69 automatic for less than the $65-70k that would cost by the time you got it home and converted it.

I assume it has to be a 69? Color red only or ?

[Richard M.]

Re: 1969 - Apx cost to convert manual to automatic?

I can't believe you couldn't find a nice 69 automatic for less than the $65-70k that would cost by the time you got it home and converted it.

I assume it has to be a 69? Color red only or ?

Patrick, I know but haven't found a good candidate. It has to be auto, convertible, 1969, 350ci, NOM ok, red/red or red/black. We might have to settle for different color etc, but not BB orcustom.

It appears we cannot convert this one easily so I'll keep looking.

Rich

[Gary C.]

Re: 1969 - Apx cost to convert manual to automatic?

Rich,

Come to Texas, there's plenty of 1969's convertibles here, reasonably priced.

Gary
....

[Mark E.]

Re: 1969 - Apx cost to convert manual to automatic?

Be patient and the right car will show up. I shopped for over two years for my last two cars.

Bonus for buying an automatic: apples to apples, they're cheaper, are typically driven more gently, and tend to have more options (like AC).

[Richard M.]

Re: 1969 - Apx cost to convert manual to automatic?

Be patient and the right car will show up. I shopped for over two years for my last two cars.

Bonus for buying an automatic: apples to apples, they're cheaper, are typically driven more gently, and tend to have more options (like AC).

Mark, Yes and I've been at it for only two months.

I think automatics are now more rare also because demand is up. All of our knees are giving up. My clutch knee is getting very bad. Driving my '59 the last few years was agonizing. Sold it a year ago.

Rich,

Come to Texas, there's plenty of 1969's convertibles here, reasonably priced.

Gary
....

Hmmm, I'm due for a Frisco adventure and would like to see you and the guys. Oh, and maybe see the cars too. lol

Been too long, '17 Nats in San Antonio iirc.

Rich

[Gary C.]

Re: 1969 - Apx cost to convert manual to automatic?

Rich,

Lone Star Regional at Frisco registration closes September 27th. Would be good to see and visit with you again.

Gary
....

[Scott P.]

Re: 1969 - Apx cost to convert manual to automatic?

Rich, since converting the 69 to an automatic will remove the car from originality how about using a turbo 350.
The cost would be in the 3000-3500 range. No mods to cross member, add a cooler, shifter & console, remove clutch pedal & linkage, T350, converter, ring gear, brake pedal, maybe LH exhaust pipe. Really an easy swap. Scott

[Richard M.]

Re: 1969 - Apx cost to convert manual to automatic?

Rich, since converting the 69 to an automatic will remove the car from originality how about using a turbo 350.
The cost would be in the 3000-3500 range. No mods to cross member, add a cooler, shifter & console, remove clutch pedal & linkage, T350, converter, ring gear, brake pedal, maybe LH exhaust pipe. Really an easy swap. Scott

Scott, Thanks, very interesting, I'll look into that.

Rich