Manual to Auto swap

[Dodgebum1]

Yes, I'm afraid you read correctly. Manual to automatic swap. I am about to do some floor pan rust repair on a friend's 71 Challenger convertible with a factory manual trans and need to find out some details before I get started.

The reason for the swap is that the owner suffered a leg injury a few years ago and mashing down on even a light clutch pedal causes severe pain, so he really needs the auto. He would like to keep the shifter, console and what not looking as factory as possible but would be willing to settle for an aftermarket auto shifter if necessary.

We would prefer to just leave the manual floor tunnel in there if possible. How drastic of a difference is the trans hump between the manual and auto? Specifically where the auto shifter and console would bolt up. Would it be necessary to graft in an auto style trans hump for the stock style console and shifter stuff to bolt in or is it possible to just slightly modify the manual hump? I know in order to make it totally "correct" looking the tunnel would have to be cut out and swapped to an auto style, but this is just a fun car, not a concourse resto. Just looking for the least invasive way to do this swap. We don't have access to an automatic car nearby to compare to, so any pics or links to pics would be helpful.

I am pretty new to these E bodies, so any extra input is appreciated.

Thanks for your help in advance,

Eric

 

[Big Jim]

If it's just a "fun car", the least invasive way would be to just leave the manual hump there and use an aftermarket shifter. The console itself is the same for either, just the top plate is different. You could trim-fabricate a top plate and mount the shifter directly over the original opening.

Hope you guys get to enjoy the car either way!

 

[Chryco Psycho]

I agree , even using factory linkage would just need to have the mount for the shifter tacked to the floor , use a piece of steel to close in the 4 spd hole , you would need to make one hole for the belcrank linkage through the floor , no need to remove the hump for the 4 spd

 

[Dodgebum1]

Thanks for the info! I really appreciate the help!

 

[Chryco Psycho]

you should be able to get good money for all the 4 spd parts if you decide to sell , personally I would keep the parts to convert the car back later

 

[Big Jim]

I hear ya on keeping the parts- I hate to admit the stuff I either gave to friends for their cars or parted out back when. If I only knew then what I know now---I'd have 3 less ex-wives, no kids, and a yard full of goodies...lol..but I'd still have my Weimaraners!

 

[Cranky]

If he really wants to keep the car looking like original and still keep the stick floor shifter, you could install a steering column for the automatic on the column shifter. Make an aluminum plate to cover the hole in the floor hump and cover it with carpet.

 

[Joe's Challenger]

Eric,
I read you may want to keep the 4 speed- I will ask do you want to get rid of it? I f not now I would be interested at another time. Thanks Joe

 

[74 challenger]

keep all the parts and shove the clutch pedal under the carpet.when i bought my charger rt/se thats how i got it. the guy put a 727 in it and a floor shifter. good luck

 

[Moparparts]

I have the correct factory parts to convert to the automatic on the floor PM me if you need them