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5-speed to auto conversion
Topic Started: Oct 25 2012, 12:15 AM (1,335 Views)
dunesie
Just another owner
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Yeah, I know, going the wrong direction, but I can't get my knee bent enough to get on the clutch pedal (bone-on-bone and no surgical option). So how tough is going from a 5-speed in a '91 convertible to an automatic? I'm assuming bell housing, flywheel, tranny. Any change to mounts or axles? What years of donor vehicles am I looking for?
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Shinrin
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You have to weld up a transmission mount. Transmission itself, shifter, that sort of thing that's obvious. Different radiator and coolant hoses. Bypass the neutral safety switch, or switch out an entire auto ecm.
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evmetro


I am getting ready to add another 98 to my fleet, and it has an automatic in it. I want to set it up with a 5 speed, so we may have what each other will need for parts... Anyway, I am not sure about the wiring on the auto but if you find that these two vehicles are compatible, we may be able to swap trannies and all related components without spending much money!
Edited by evmetro, Oct 25 2012, 12:25 AM.
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evmetro


I may be interested in a vehicle trade with you as well. I don't have a vert in my collection yet, but I already have a couple 98's... let me know if this is of any interest to you.
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Metro Josh
Advanced Member
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Wouldn't somehow figuring a way to tilt/adjust the steering wheel out of the way of your knee and/or a smaller steering wheel solve your problem? I'm a tall guy so sometimes I'm annoyed by my leg hitting the steering column and wheel, but oh well for now.
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dunesie
Just another owner
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Thanks to all posters. I'll keep the swap and/or parts trade in mind. I'm going out to look at the 'vert this weekend. If everything goes according to plan, I'll have it in my hot little hands Saturday afternoon. As for a tilt wheel, gawd, that would be a great addition under any circumstances. Anybody have a line on a tilt column that fits a '91 or '97?

Otherwise, its not a matter of room, its a matter of having a knee that doesn't bend so there's little way to get a foot on the clutch without moving the seat back.

It sounds like the manual to auto swap is much more involved than I first suspected.Unless my wife decides she can deal with another manual or I figure out how to clutch, this may be an exercise in dinner more so than an auto purchase.

I'll post the results of my investigation this weekend.
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Shinrin
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I bet it wouldn't be too hard to rig up a hand push for the clutch, like disabled people have for their brakes.
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rjsdotorg
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R E Member

I also have a lot of spare AT parts from my switch to MT
http://geometroforum.com/topic/4870874/2/#new
Only thing needed is a torque converter.
If you knee is that bad (mine aren't great) you'll have a tough time with the work involved. Lots of it.

I was just considering a steering wheel extension; about 1" would be perfect, as I always drive with the seat full back and somewhat reclined.

You should also consider a seat mod - I think you could move it back 2"-3" fairly easily with 3 steel blocks welded (or through-bolted the floor) and switch the front left bolt to the rear of the cross mount.
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Shinrin
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Bad knee, but have a manual, just do this

Posted Image

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91 ragtop
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Shinrin
Oct 25 2012, 11:51 PM
Bad knee, but have a manual, just do this

Posted Image

I'm guesssing from the picture that the lever pushes the clutch in with the left hand. The right hand is shifting at the same time. Who's steering the car ?


Ken.......
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2000Firefly1.3L
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actually that's strange having a clutch on an automatic car like that :P
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Shinrin
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The picture is actually one set up for the brakes, but the same thing would work for the clutch.
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dunesie
Just another owner
[ *  * ]
Well, went out and looked at the '91 'vert last weekend. One word for it: thrashed. It was a daily driver and no money for anything but engine. Missing way too many pieces, interior ragged-out, etc. 224K miles and a coat of grime an eighth of an inch thick on the engine. Way more project than I wanted to bite off. So, I'm back to looking for a convertible in Southern California (or within 400 miles give or take a hundred) of Riverside (LA for those of you not familiar with the area). I'm not looking for turn-key, but I don't want something that is going to take $2k in parts just to get started, either. I'd prefer an automatic if anybody has a line on something. I'm checking Craigslist, Ebay, all of the other available avenues, too.
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