convert auto cross member into manual cross member, HOW?

[madmike]

OK, I'm converting my '68 Charger from automatic to 4 speed.  I have a cross member for the TorqueFlite, and it seems like it should be 'modifiable' into a cross member that will work for the A833.  Has anyone done this, are there plans out there for doing it?

Thanks,
Mike

[elacruze]

Mike,

The automatic crossmember is nothing more than the manual trans x-member with additional stuff welded on to make the basket which protrudes forward. Your auto crossmember already has the small bolt hole and socket access holes in the middle of it; you could just remove all the additional plates welded on and use the base piece.

Here's a photo from my resto thread, showing my stock 4-speed x-member failing to line up with my Gear Vendors adapter-I've had to buy an auto crossmember, and I have to move the floor of the basket down about an inch to clear the floor.

You should be able to look at your auto piece and see what needs to come out.

[six-tee-nine]

Cool I did'nt knew that either.....

May come in handy since I dont have a x member yet and auto ones are easier to come by and also for less money.

[elacruze]

I don't have a photo of the top where the mount goes in, but there is a brace across the top of both mounts; the 4-speed mount just has a plate with a square hole in it, which you can see welded and wrapped down some on the front of the photo above. The auto mount has a plate welded across the inside of the brace, which would be easy enough to cut a hole in, or to just cut out entirely and weld a couple straps across beside the rubber mount.

[68RED4SPEED]

Whats the year on that transmission, if its 70- holes are same as auto.

[elacruze]

Whats the year on that transmission, if its 70- holes are same as auto.

Good point. The car is '68 but the tranny could be any year.

[no318]

I put a 70 4 speed in my 69 auto. car and didn't change the cross member. 

[Troy]

In 1970 both transmissions used the same cross member.

Here are the 68-69 transmission cross members side by side:







Troy

[no318]

Thanks for the pics Troy!

[six-tee-nine]

Thanks for the pics Troy!

X2   

[madmike]

Troy,

How come I can't see those pictures in your post?  I know others can, because they commented.  I can see the picture Elacruze posted...  Weird!

Mike

[Troy]

Troy,

How come I can't see those pictures in your post?  I know others can, because they commented.  I can see the picture Elacruze posted...  Weird!

Mike

Are you at work? The pictures are hosted on my Photobucket account and sometimes businesses will block picture/video sites to keep employees from wasting time (not that I think that's what you are doing!).

Troy

[madmike]

Yes, Troy, I'm at work, maybe that's why I can't 'see' them...