"65 GS 4 Speed Conversion?

Discussion in ''Da Nailhead' started by '65softtop4, Jul 1, 2021.

  1. '65softtop4

    '65softtop4 Well-Known Member

    Has anyone done an auto to 4 speed conversion on a '65 Gran Sport?
     
  2. wkillgs

    wkillgs Gold Level Contributor

    I've done it on a 66 GS.
     
  3. '65softtop4

    '65softtop4 Well-Known Member

    Hi Walt,
    Did your bellhousing have a lever or the swivel style crank for the throw out bearing? Also, I believe the bellcrank was different in 1966? Not sure.
    Also, with the kit, the z bar mounts to a threaded ball screwed into the side of the engine between the starter and the bellhousing .
    I don't think the '65 401 has a threaded hole in that spot.
    I'm stuck at this point because the whole linkage assemble from '65 is rare as hen's teeth.
     
    Last edited: Jul 1, 2021
  4. TrunkMonkey

    TrunkMonkey Well-Known Member

    I "GS'd" my 64 Skylark and used a hydraulic bearing because I was unable to find all the Z bar components.
    If you have questions, let me know.
     
    Super Bald Menace likes this.
  5. wkillgs

    wkillgs Gold Level Contributor

    The 65-66 GS setup is unique. I'll just post some pics, it's easier than than to explain everything!
    Here's the bellhousing:
    upload_2021-7-1_16-15-21.png

    It has a fork on that engages the throwout bearing:
    upload_2021-7-1_16-16-24.png

    There isn't a ball stud on the engine. Instead Buick welded a tube to the frame for the z-bar. It looks like this:
    upload_2021-7-1_16-21-51.png

    With the z-bar in place it looks like this:
    upload_2021-7-1_16-23-9.png
    Note the bracket in the lower left, it's bolted to the frame. There another sort of z-bar that goes from it to the bellhousing:
    EDIT: The 'yokes' on that lower z-bar linkage rod aren't the originals. These are replacements from McMaster Carr.
    upload_2021-7-1_16-24-50.png
    Finally, here's a page from the parts book showing the parts:
    upload_2021-7-1_16-27-29.png
     
    Last edited: Jul 3, 2021
  6. '65softtop4

    '65softtop4 Well-Known Member

    Hi Walt,
    Yes, they are unique. I have that page, just don't have the parts. Feel free to send those parts that are pictured (slightly kidding, of course).
    When I purchased the convertible the original engine and transmission had been removed and all crated up. The owner at that time saved
    them and installed a late model Olds engine and auto transmission. At the point now where the original engine and T-10 are going back in,
    but, don't have all the original linkage. Who knows what happened to those parts.
    Appreciate the help.
     
  7. '65softtop4

    '65softtop4 Well-Known Member

    Thanks guys. All set with this.
     
    Max Damage likes this.
  8. '65softtop4

    '65softtop4 Well-Known Member

    Walt,
    Is the a rebuild kit (bushings, rubbers, spacers, etc., for the setup you've shown above?
     
  9. wkillgs

    wkillgs Gold Level Contributor

    Rebuild kit? There isn't one that I'm aware of.
    Some individual parts are avail, such as the boots and upper clutch rod bushing.
     
  10. GSFredsbuddy

    GSFredsbuddy So much to do so little time

    The rebuild kit you are referring to from the parts place ? That is for the SBB set up 64-67. So that will not work with the 66 set up. I have both the 66 401 4 speed and I am currently working on a 65 300 parts collection ( totally different z bar setup ). I believe you stated in parts wanted you had a bellhousing but if you do not Wheelz has one listed and I also know of one for sale in Auburn NY if you do need one. I believe I have the transition piece that welds to the frame you will need and it should be fairly simple to make up the flat metal piece and the 2 u shaped pieces with the threaded rod that go to the Z bar for the clutch adjustment. The bracket that bolts to the frame will be the elusive piece and the Z bar of course. But I have seen the Z bar posted here before. When I come to see you I will bring the frame mount.

    Michael
     
  11. '65softtop4

    '65softtop4 Well-Known Member

    Hi Michael,
    Thanks for the info. I have the bellhousing but wasn't sure If I had the other parts.
    I was going through the parts in storage yesterday and found all the linkage parts that I needed plus a few. Pretty lucky, I guess.
    Now need to find a source for the bushings and all.
     
    SpecialWagon65 likes this.
  12. SpecialWagon65

    SpecialWagon65 Ted Nagel

    I had the local machine shop work on the bellhousing- cleaned it, made a couple new shafts, pressed in bronze bushings.
    Glad you found the parts!
     
  13. '65softtop4

    '65softtop4 Well-Known Member

    Thanks Ted. Always a panic when needing those rare parts.
     

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