SuperRocket425

Hi all. I want to convert my 65 Dynamic to a manual transmission. So other than the obvious, getting the setup out of a 65 Dynamic/Starfire or Jetstar, are there any other applications (years/models) that will work in the 65, even if a little modifying is required?
Will an 'A' body work?
Will a 68-72 gen work?
I don't have an interchange book at my disposal.
Any help appreciated!
Thanks!

joe_padavano

A-body pedals aren't even close. 1965-70 Olds full size are your only option. Lotsa luck finding a set. FYI, a column-shifted three speed manual was the base transmission in the Eighty Eight line through the 1971 model year. A set of pedals and clutch linkage comes up for sale about once a decade.

How are your fabrication skills? If you really have your heart set on this, plan on fabricating your own pedals using a pair of AT brake pedal arms as raw material. Use a hydraulic throw out bearing to eliminate the need to fabricate a mechanical clutch linkage.

Tedd Thompson

As a last resort take a look at what the hot rod industry has to offer in swing peddles you will have to modify just about anything some what. Pick your easiest fight....Tedd

SuperRocket425

Yea, I kinda knew this was going to be tough. Was just hoping someone out there had maybe done something like this before and could help me save some time and headache. Oh well! Can't win 'em all!

Charlie Jones

Here is what you're looking for , just in case you do get lucky ;

Oldsmaniac

And something like this...

SuperRocket425

Wow! Many Thanks to Charlie and Oldsmaniac! Those are some awesome pics!
Those give me a lot of pictorial data that I'll need to attempt to fab something up.
It may not be as pretty but maybe I can get it functional.

Oldsmaniac, you haven't by chance done any precise measuring and/or made any blueprint-ish drawings - have you?

Just asking.

Thanks!

66SportCoupe

If you get to needing a transmission I have a very nice T10 out of a 63 Pontiac ready for a big car with a Hurst shifter. Will work for a transplant.

Oldsmaniac

Sorry nothing but the picture....

Charlie Jones

And here's how it all goes together ;

joe_padavano

Well, that's interesting. What does SBO vs BBO have to do with whether or not the clutch pedal needs those extra return springs?

Charlie Jones

Probably the difference in pressure plates .
Three finger type VS raised cone diaphragm .
At least that's the way with Pontiacs .
BTW those are assist springs , not return springs .

joe_padavano

I know the SBOs got 10.5" clutches and the BBOs got 11", but I thought they were all diaphragm style.

Oldsmaniac

Well I can say my 66 Delta 4spd did not have those springs, maybe never made it into production. Have also seen the parts pictured above and another set went thru my hands...no springs.

Oldsmaniac

I can say assist springs would have greatly helped on my Delta, the pedal was hard and the angle relative to normal foot driving position was not great making for a left leg misery. Was in bumper to bumper traffic once on the NY Belt Parkway heading to the Verranzano Bridge... won't forget that experience.

SuperRocket425

Thanks for the parts diagram pic Charlie! That just may come in handy if I manage to scrounge up a complete setup - in a box!!.

sysmg

My 1966 Dynamic 88 with factory four speed and 365HP motor did not have the springs either.

Here are some pics and measurements for the four speed from the 66 Dynamic 88, unfortunately they were taken with a state of art digital camera (when that had a resolution of 1.3mp)

66 Starfire 4sp -Thumbnails (feuerstein.org)
66 Starfire 4sp more -Thumbnails (feuerstein.org)

joe_padavano

That is awesome documentation. Thanks for taking the time to document all that.

sysmg

Back in 2001 someone wanted to fabricate those parts, so I offered to send photo's and measurements.