hello to all,

i'm sure its a topic that's been covered before, so sorry if its a repetitive. i have a '68 column-shifted automatic convertible that i want to convert to a 4 speed. i have what i believe to be a good number of parts to begin, but i am looking for a good, complete list of parts that i would need, in order to successfully complete the conversion. any help would be greatly appreciated.

thanks
sean
'68 350 convertible

Here is a start for yah...

https://picasaweb.google.com/283falcon/4spPartsReq6769Firebird?feat=directlink

You can find a complete Clutch linkage kit from Classic Industries. I am sure the other resto companies offer the same kit. You will also need the clutch fork, throw-out bearing. With the trans you will need to locate bellhousing, inspection plate, shifter, pilot bearing, clutch, pressure plate, and correct cross-member. If I am correct you will need the crossmember for a powerglide or other 3 or 4-speed set-up will work. Clutch pedal and a couple boots for the firewall and the bell housing. The wire harness will also need to accommodate the back-up switch. You can use any non-column shifting column.

Check out performanceyears.com. Under the forum there is a guy selling the complete hard parts conversion. Hope the above information helped. I have been involved with a handful of conversions.

See if the link below will work:
http://forums.performanceyears.com/forums/showthread.php?t=664632

Also, do yourself a favor and find/use all the correct parts. I've seen MANY conversions where people used mismatched parts, parts from another model car etc. This is one of those jobs that requires the correct parts and a lot of money to do the job right...

Would it make more sense money wise to go with a hydraulic clutch set up rather than trying to find all the little mechanical pieces?

I forgot to mention that you can purchase a 5 speed Tremec system that can be purchased with everything you would need to complete the job. You can do an internet search to locate additional information.

I have a couple of friends that have these in their first generation.

Check out the address below:

http://www.hurst-drivelines.com/index.ph...3&Itemid=61

I too know people who have gone with the 5 or 6 speed conversions. Bottom line IMO unless you plan on driving your car A LOT, you will never recoup the cost involved. Do the math based on miles driven, MPG, how many miles you will realistically drive the car etc. It's like buying an electric car, unless you drive it a million miles, you'll never get your monies worth...

I have most everything to do the conversion from a 68