4-Speed parts question?

I am looking to buy all of the 4-Speed parts it takes to convert my 72 Skylark over to a stick. I was wondering if I was going to buy all of the parts needed to change over would I have to buy all of the parts from a big block 4-Speed car, or does the small block 4-Speed car have the same parts. Also I suppose if you folks could help I was hoping someone could give me a list of all the parts needed from start to finish to convert over to the 4-Speed. Thanks any help appreciated.

 

The parts are only made by Dave Kleiner here:


http://www.buickperformance.com/repro4spd.htm

 

Add the almost extinct engine side ball stud seal boot.


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It is a very expensive conversion. I could make a good case for selling your current car and buying the right 4 speed GS and go from there.

 

I am still trying to figure out if the 4-speed parts off of a 350 are the same for the 455 4-speed?

 

Scott

Yes but it was not easy. It was about like the other item we discussed in scarcity. But not nearly so costly. Supposedly it is in transit.

 

Maybe Scott you can break your terms down to Leighmans' terms, since I am having a touch of trouble understanding what you are saying. When I do finish up with the conversion I do not want to be able to tell that any of these parts was for a 350 and not the 455.

 

Good deal thanks for your help.

 

Now that we have a few folks in the know on 4-speed conversions, we should put together a comprehensive list and pics. If we do a good job, George N. can post it on his site.

It could cover a few bases like original parts pictures, conversion from auto to 4-speed, interchangeable parts with other A-bodies and 350-455 differences.

Well Jim Lore, Scott Miller and ??? what do you think, should we team up to do an article?

 

That would be something else. I would love to see a list like that with pics come out. It would definatly make my time searching for the right parts a heck of a lot easier. :TU:

 

REG

You and Scott and the conversion kings. We have only owned two GS/GSX 455 4 speeds. I would be hard to add anything to what you guys know and have already posted.

 

What am I not seeing or doing?

I dont have the no start switch but I dont really care because my car is not a resto. I put mine together before the repro buick stuff was available.
I ordered and installed a complete repro 68-72 chevelle kit in my 72 Skylark and have had no problems. I had to fab the bottom linkage-- that was it .
What am I not seeing ?
George

 

ok I see . I have seen a few other threads where people say that the Chevelle stuff wont work at all. I am thinkng I might have an issue I am unaware of.
I have heard that Buick 4 speeds pedals had additional bushings than chevelle for less vibration transfer.
Maybe that is the case .
Anyway, good luck with the swap, Buick torque and manual transmissions make for a bunch of fun!
George

 

Can you explain a little bit about this backup light switch, and where on the steering colum does it go?

 

:3gears: I have some parts PM me for a list if you still need anything .

 

And you are saying this part goes on the outer portion of the steering colum?

 

I have a question, where does the 4-speed tie into the steering column?
Matt

 

hhmmm no wonder i dont have revese lights. Is the linkage from the trans to the column available in a repro?

 

Scott, we really have to pool our pictures and knowledge and get this formatted into an article on how to? It will be some effort to do it but it sure seems to be worthwhile. what do you think?

 

I recently converted my '70 cutlass 455 car over to a four speed using parts from another cutlass 4 speed parts car and the clutch pedal also has the bracket on the pedal for the no start switch so its not just a buick only feature. I also bought a four speed set up for my '70 skylark 455 from a gs parts car with a four speed and the pedals and the no start switch and bracket are identicle. Just my observation here.

Allen

 

hmm took me a little bit to figure this one out to but I finally got my reverse lights to work. The parts that go up to the column are the same as on an automatic car being that I used my original pieces off the car. What I had to change was the neutral safety switch to the 4 speed one, actually I think its just the reverse light switch in this case but if you wire it up and move the piece on the switch you will see the reverse lights come on. Once this is attached to the column, you will adjust it n same manner as you do the auto neutral safety switch. Now you will need to obviously connect the four speed tranny with the column linkage and this stuff is available from Mike Garrison, I had used original factory parts. The only difference is that I'm using a s st10 tranny instead of the muncie so I had to modify the pivot bolt since on a muncie it screws into the tranny and on a st10 the tranny has a projecting stud. It took a little brain work but everything is working as if the car was an original four speed, lights and all. Even have to put it in reverse to take the key out of ignition. I'm working on a second conversion so am quite comfortable with the swap if anyone needs pics or technical help. I also posted some pics of the pivot stud modifications if you do a search under my name.

Allen
allioop108@aol.com