Hello,
I'm wondering if anyone has experience swapping the drivetrains in a toad car from automatic to 3 speed.
I've seen in the automatic car that there is (a screwed in) floor plate from the factory to cover the shifter hole.
I'm wondering if there are already holes for the clutch pedal / Z-Bar linkage etc. I'm hoping everything will just swap right-on-in!
Am I right or wrong?
Also, are the driveshafts the same length?
The driveshaft in my 3 speed toad has the usual worn ball and trunnion rattle, and needs to be replaced.
Thanks for any advice!
-ZPB

_________________
"64 Valiant!
Hand full of valiums!
Couple of beers really do me right!
You better believe us!
Better trust us!
Teenage jive!
Walking wreck!"

-Circle Jerks "Wild in the Streets" 1988

By the time you go to the trouble to do all that you might as well swap in a 5 speed and end up with something worthwhile

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Yeah....Im the one who destroyed this rare, vintage automobile.....

Yeah, an A833 is something to consider...
But it would definitely require a sawz-all and a floor hump (which I could get), but I really like the three speed in the '61 I have. Plus I just wanna get this car driving with the parts that I've already got! I'll go shopping for a 5 speed one day!
Too bad the rest of this toad is shot!
Rust everywhere / bad paint / no gas tank (which are impossible to find, or beaucoup bucks to fabricate) / no heater or defrost / the aformentioned driveshaft needed / bad radiator / stuck window regulators / it's just a dog of a project!
With a cool stock floor-shift 3 speed though, good glass, and it runs well!
This other '61 I'm considering buying is in pretty good shape, but needs a windshield and...a wiring harness! It's a California car / no rust / good paint / re cored radiator / defrost is said to work / good driveshaft / GAS TANK! / Good smooth window movement. I just hope someone can assure me that swapping an entire drivetrain from a push-button to a 3 speed in a toad isn't toooo much hassle. I need to know before considering buying it. I am in a unique position to make them an offer while in possession of the rare wiring harness from the same type of car...Which doesn't exactly sound like a walk in the park..I could go on...Slant Six Dan? Dr. Dodge? How crazy is this?

-ZPB

_________________
"64 Valiant!
Hand full of valiums!
Couple of beers really do me right!
You better believe us!
Better trust us!
Teenage jive!
Walking wreck!"

-Circle Jerks "Wild in the Streets" 1988

Most of the difficulties're around the clutch you choose. I elected to go with a decent Aussie aftermarket unit (still going strong).
The stock pedal carrier's already set up for the addition of a clutch pedal, just need the parts.
I cobbled up my own bellcrank & linkage, but stock bellcranks & pivots're around, and a stock bell has the mount holes.
My '62 had holes ready for the chassis side pivot mount as well. I'm guessing the '61 does too.

I'm thinking that with both sets of parts, you're pretty much good to go.

For what use they may be ......Here's the link to my conversion notes.
And here're some more pictures.

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Sex, drags, and rock & roll.
Dick, 225% crazy.
Hobby (cars, that is) Photos link

Thanks so much for the info!
I've been studying your photo journal of El Toad, and will have more questions to follow! What a sweet wagon! Well done!

_________________
"64 Valiant!
Hand full of valiums!
Couple of beers really do me right!
You better believe us!
Better trust us!
Teenage jive!
Walking wreck!"

-Circle Jerks "Wild in the Streets" 1988

This swap is straight forward... If you have all the parts...
You should have all the part if you have a complete doner vehicle.

Again... swapping in a early Mopar non-syncro 3 Speed (A903 / A 745) is a complete waste of time in my mind.
If you swap to a Moper 3 speed... for convenience, find an A230 to put in there.
BTW... The A904 auto trans., already in the vehicle, is a much better transmission.

If you just have to have a manual shift gear box.... up-grade to a A833 or some other 5 or 6 speed... as already suggested above.
DD

I really think the best trans for your car is the 904. If yours is shot, rebuild or replace with a rebuilt unit.

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Richard (aka Fingers)