Mark, Kudos on your article, I am starting the same switch for my 69 Skylark, 350 block with a TH400. The only difference is that I going with a Super T10 instead of getting a Muncie unit. There are two specific areas that I have questions for you: 1) The rear back up lights when you shift into reverse; I have no clue as to the equipment needs for this feature to happen. I am assuming that there is a bracket/sensor that needs to get attached to the shift linkage, also how does it would get wired into the existing automatic wiring harness? 2) the needs and expected issues with the speedometer swap? I totally missed this one and am at a total loss, any info into this one would also be great. Both of these issues I am still in the dark on, but figuring out my options every day. Any thoughts , or pictures or examples, would be very helpful. Eventually, as all other problems, they will get addressed and corrected. Currently, I am waiting on TA Performance for my back ordered flywheel and shifter linkage, all other parts are in hand and waiting.
Dan, I am going through a swap now (1970 skylark th350 to m20). I have referenced this thread a bunch. It’s printed out on my tool box as I write this. For the reverse lights, at least on a 1970- you want to replace the automatic neutral safety switch with a replacement that only has the 2 wires for the reverse lights. I sourced mine off of eBay- using the part number in this thread. (I haven’t installed it yet) https://www.v8buick.com/index.php?t...h-on-steering-column-1970-skylark-etc.343620/ For your cluster, I took my speedometer and wiped the PRNDL off of it using some elbow grease and windex. It’s the Jason Cook method. I wasn’t paying up for a correct manual speedo. I’m sure you can do the same on your 69. The gear indicator arrow unbolts from the Speedo housing on a 1970
Louie, Thanks for the info. I am chasing your web site address now for the reverse lights. Thanks for the lead. As far as the manual speedo, forgive me, but I am not following. Regarding the RNDL1L2 indicator display in the dash, yeah, that much of the cluster on mine is gone too. But mine is gone due to the fact that I put a 70 dash cluster in my 69 that has a floor shift. To purchase and install all that linkage required, just for a small bunch of tiny letters in my dash cluster to work, was never going to happen anyway. My question is more for the other end, where it used to end as a TH400 servo gear that had an electric sensor wire attached to it. I was hoping for a simple method of conversion like needing a different end fitting, or cable change back to the dash gauge, etc...., But still what to do with/for the wire. Or even what this wire function is ? Of course if not needed, then it will just get taped and strapped for possible future change back. The speedometer answer cant be as simple as screwing this cable out of the servo and screwing it onto the Super T10? Can It? I will eventually figure it out, just curious if you knew right now.
I’m not sure what that is hooked into. On all of my th400 cars the Speedo cable just screws into the housing. Is your T10’s speedometer gear on the passenger side near the tail shaft like the muncies? If so, you will need to purchase a longer speedometer cable. 70” https://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/70-speedo-cable-source-for-4-speed-cars.390319/
Yeah, its on the passenger side. Thanks for the info, next item on my list. Most likely will answer my connection problem with new cable.
Mark, Excellent info, very grateful you took the time. May I ask a few questions? 1) Did you find the spacing of the pedals too close? Should the clutch have been more to the left, giving the brake a wider space? Before I put it all together, it just seems too close to me. 2) Do you have any leads to getting a shift console? I was hoping for some aftermarket maker.
Great post, I have a 72 GS 455 factory 4speed. My emergency brake cable hits the back of transmission and shifter rod bolts. I believe I have correct cable brackets but I heard that the cable is shorter with a 4speed, if true is their a measurement I can check? Thanks Tim
I didnt see where you posted about the flywheel cover. I make one that is Duane approved. (since he loaned me his for the making of the die)
Tim, I cant give you a measurement of the intermediate cable, if I had one, I would. My issue is that I am trying to find one and I have been in contact with Inline Tube Motorcity, through his ebay account at MotorcitySupercars. I had previously been told that a manual parking brake system is a completely different than of than an automatic transmission parking brake system. By completely different I mean that the whips that go into the rear drums of manual transmission equipt cars are different lengths than of the drum whips used in the automatic models. Currently I am trying to determine if the whips that go into the rear drums of an automatic transmission are of the same length as the whips that go into the rear drums in the manual transmission equipt cars. If the whips are the same length in both versions, then the only difference is the length of the intermediate cable. Only after confirming that, then ordering it, can I give you a length. If you find anybody just selling the intermediate cable for a manual transmission car, please forward me their contact.
Mike, Excellent news. How long will it take for you to fab me up one? How do you want to arrange payment? On a seperate topic. Do you have any leads on a manual center console, copy , supplier, collector? Not fussy on condition. Something close that will work maybe even, just trying to get something more than a chrome trim ring holding a huge boot to the carpet.
They are ready to ship anytime. I can do paypal mike@mrbuick.com or a card over the phone thru my shop 785-484-3245 Ebay and all the Buick swap pages for the console. They are getting harder to find
Todd, do you offer, or can you put together a “kit” of the parts you offer for guys doing such a conversion.
Awesome info, thanks! You read my mind, I have just started researching such a swap on my 70. I can’t believe how many other guys are wanting to do this as well. Prices have really gone up! Remember when you could get a junkyard Muncie for $100.00 Back in the 80’s/90’s, back then it was popular to throw out your manual and swap in an automatic.
I just went through this and ended up getting most of my stuff from Todd.. pretty much everything except the trans, housing, shifter, rods, handle, and flywheel. I called him and 20 minutes later we had everything together and ordered. Mine is all repro 350 style parts (z bar, clutch rod, fork).. unfortunately he no longer has access to get the 455 stuff reproduced.
I do have some kits but there are a couple items no longer available (at this time) You can see all of my 4 Speed stuff in once section though > https://www.stage1restoration.com/product-category/transmission_manual/
Anybody got a line on a 10.5 inch Flywheel for a 350 69 Buick Skylark? I have been on order with TA Perf since September, and when I called yesterday, they still dont even have an idea of when, which means 3 months plus. Its the last piece on my switch over list
