[zackg]

Hi all. I am new here and what not. Is it a direct swap (minus bellhousing) from a 3 speed manual to a 4 speed toploader? I see many swaps to a t5 and I see that requires a decent amount of work and custom parts. I don't even have one yet and it seems like the market is overrun with automatics and 3 speed manuals. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks

Zack

 

[The_Dude]

Might require a different cross member and different length driveline, and will require a new shifter linkage. By the time all is said and done, a T5 conversion isn't that much more expensive or that much more difficult.
I'm in the planning stages for my convertible. I plan on using the stock bell housing and clutch linkage. I need a T5, adapter plate, shifter, cross member and a shortened drive line. I think I can do the entire conversion for around $2k. I would guess a good rebuilt top loader would cost you around $1500. A used one, around $800.

 

[oateater]

Hi all. I am new here and what not. Is it a direct swap (minus bellhousing) from a 3 speed manual to a 4 speed toploader? I see many swaps to a t5 and I see that requires a decent amount of work and custom parts. I don't even have one yet and it seems like the market is overrun with automatics and 3 speed manuals. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks

Zack

Just did one. The only thing you need is a speedometer cable and gear as the toploader hooks on the passenger side. both in NPD catalog for small amount of money. You will need a different shifter but I assume you know that. Same bellhousing.

 

[DOTMAN54]

And a different reverse light switch unless it's an early '65.

 

[zackg]

thanks for the replies! I may have a lead on a 65 hipo. so I'm going to try for that

 

[sgray]

Top Loader

I have a good toploader in my Dad's shop - let me know if you are interested and I will get details.

 

[Huskinhano]

Besides needing a longer speedo cable, the speedo cable for 4 speed cars goes through the top of the trans tunnel just to the right of the gas pedal. On the radius, it's about mid way, about 11 o'clock and about 1 1/2" to the center of the hole from the fire wall. It's a 7/8" hole. The factory used a chunk of foam rubber to fill the hole. I used a Greenlee electrical 7/8 punch used for 1/2" conduit. You'll need a right angle drill as well since it's kinda tight. BTW, I bought a HF drill that worked great for $34. You could also use a Uni-bit instead of the punch.

I know this stuff because I just did a C4 to Toploader swap on my 66. I found a rubber bushing for electrical use that had about the right size hole for the cable. I slit the bushing so it would go around the cable and pushed it into the new hole. If you try to use the old speedo hole, the cable will be real tight and very close to the head pipe. I went to the local hardware store and bought a plastic plug to fill the old hole. I also painted the edges to keep it from rusting.