My 70 coupe was originally a Minnesota car and the frame isn't in the best of shape. It's originally a 350/350 4sp manual steering and brakes, non tilt wheel. I picked up a California 74 donor without engine trans or much interior but it had power steering, power brakes and the tilt wheel I need, as I got to looking at it the frame looks almost new and was probably repainted or powder coated. I'm not sure if it was originally an automatic but dang the frame is perfect. My question is; is the only issues the lower rear section body mount (I can shim right?), and drilling for the rear bumper?

Is this a good swap?

Thanks for your help.

 

It should work..and might need so modification. the other issue that is not the same is the brake proportioning valve is bolted to a bracket welded to the frame on the 74 and you brake metering block is different and located in another area.

Automatics have a bolt in cross member....manual transmission the cross member is welded in.

Also..the 74 will more than likely have a vapor return line on the left side and your 70 does not. Wont effect the body going on...just letting you know.

DUB

 

Thank you DUB,

If the 74 frame was an automatic can I still make it work?

 

YES...but your original manual cross member has welded on tabs for the shifter mounting bracket. Modification in this area is needed...if my memory serves me correctly.

DUB

 

My build thread shows the modded manual cross member for an auto car,

but here is a link you might like...

http://www.71corvette.com/frames.html

 

Its the other way...he has a manual....and the used frame is for an automatic.

DUB

 

An "easy fix" would be a Hurst shifter. It bolts directly to the transmission's tailshaft housing.

 

I am using a Hurst shifter (Comp +), so other than additional shimming on the rearmost body mounts I should be good to go?

 

Personal/professional opinion:
I CAN NOT STAND A HURST SHIFTER!!!! The reason is the clearance and how easy it is with a factory shifter to get into reverse. This 'slamming' to the left to get a Hurst shifter to go into reverse is for the 'birds' and I have seen the inside of the shifter consoles get damaged due to a Hurst shifter. If a person know anything about the factory shifter...they can work for countless years.

DUB

 

It already hast the Hurst and when I got it wouldn't even go into third gear...of course it was "Professionally adjusted", HA! it was so far off it was almost laughable except for the tight fit to make it right. With proper adjustment and lubrication the Hurst works fine for me.

Jerry

 

Although I've never had a Hurst shifter in a C-3, I've had them in a couple of other cars, my C-5 included. And as you point out PROPER ADJUSTMENT is the key to their operation. I agree that "slamming" the shifter, to get across the reverse detent, is nuts, but to me, it indicates improper adjustment.

 

In so many times a thread like this is posted people love to see how the cross member is modded...just trying to help...like with the link to frame changes....just offering help...

I understand some people just hate, but every stick car I have ever driven has had a Hurst shifter and I loved them, look so much better than the plain factory ones and since mine were adjusted correctly they worked great, I admit a few of my buddies had ones that they hated until I adjusted them...and they fell in love....to each their own though....

 

I have to totally disagree on this one. The factory shifters are junk and the Hurst Competition Plus is sooooo smooth. You must have had a Hurst shifter that was not properly adjusted. The stock shifters should have only been used in trucks.

 

You are comparing 'apples to oranges'. A C5 Hurst shifter is NOTHING like a 1963-1980 style Hurst shifter.

It is NOT improper adjustment.....it is how the shifter works to get over the detente to allow you to get into reverse gate. Which is why I like the factory shifters with the 'T' handle that you lift up.

AND YES...I am commenting on the 1963-1980 Corvettes with manual transmissions and Hurst shifters.

I am NOT writing that HURST shifters do not work well....because they do...I just do not like it when they conflict with interior parts...that is all I am referring to.


The13Bats;

I know you were trying to help...but what help is it for him if it does not apply???

bj1k:

You are entitled to your opinion...the same as myself. If you are happy with a Hurst shifter,,,,I guess that says it all. And as for 'so smoooooth'.... I say the same with the factory shifters I put in....because I know how to get them to be 'so smooooth' also.

And...just for the record.....the shifter is often times NOT the problem on why it is 'so smooooth'.....especially when a synchronizer has a burr on it or other internal transmission part issues dealing with the sliders or forks. Because when I remove the shifter linkage from the transmission and the shifter GLIDES perfectly..and being to connect linkages to the transmission...THAT is when it becomes an issue....and it has NOTHING to do with the make of the shifter. Because I have gotten both factory and Hurst shifters to work great. It boils down to the darn reverse design of Hurst that I hate. I like GM's design...and I feel they do not need to be put in a truck....but you can if you like.

DUB

 

How did trashing Hurst shifters help?

Like I said...
"In so many times a thread like this is posted people love to see how the cross member is modded".

This is an open "public" forum, even though seems many times you want your "opinon" to be the end all so while again you are right in that my reply didn't fully apply to the op's original question my link to frame changes did, so I was 1/2 helpful... for you to keep harping on it is just nit picking so I will leave you to your helpful rants of setting everyone straight.

 

OK, so back to the original interest.
A 74 frame will work, but since 70 was chrome front and back the 74 frame will need modification front and back to make it work. I think this is also important.
Joe

 

No

Did you miss the part where I said "several OTHER cars, as well as my C-5", or are you just having a bad day???

 

UHHHHHH....the answer to both questions is.....as much as I regretfully have to write is....YES ( in regards to the comparison of a Hurst shifter in other vehicles)....and YES...(to recently having really BAD days).

Kinda like the saying goes. "Either you are the WINDSHIELD....OR...you are the BUG". Lately I am the BUG and it is NOT ME...it is the 'stuff' that I have to deal with. Simple repairs are escalating into MAJOR projects.

DUB

 

First time I heard that I thought geez I don't wanna be a smashed bug but I don't wanna be a windscreen covered in bug guts either....

I sure do understand how car issues can ruin ones day, Ahem...week...month...months...

Hope things get better for you....

 

I am ONLY responding to what I have experienced and have seen over numerous years.

You would not believe the number of 1963-1967 Corvettes that I have worked on that had damaged shifter consoles due to a Hurst shifter....and I will not even get into the 1968-1980's.

People can use what they want and do what they want....and as I write often...I do not care....because it is not my Corvette. And I will not be silent if another view can be expressed that just may save a forum member from a problem.

I am all about you being helpful and providing a direction for a modification. TRULY I AM!!! But what I have found is that many people need to to be the same so they can follow it to the letter...because there are some forum members who are working on their Corvette...and learning as they go. So getting their brain to be able to 'problem solve' takes time because they do not want to make a mistake. SO with your other modifications that applied..... I am not bashing what you did by no means.....OR if it came across that way to you. I APOLOGIZE!

HMMMMM! OK then. If my 'opinion' is wrong.....or my perspective on how I look and analyze 'things' and my passion for what I do EVERY DAY is being taken as being over bearing.... I wonder if I really need to spend my time after a hard day at work to 'try' to be helpful on the forum.

DUB