Helpfull advice requested! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Slofarmtruck · 06-14-2010, 02:18 PM

So I find myself in a bit of a dilemma. I just picked up my 86 2wd lwb 305/700R4 truck that I wanted for a long time due to my previous fun with an 84 of similar parts. I just went for a ride in a relatives 32 ford flat head V8 pick up with a manual trans and while that is way to old for a daily driver, I find myself wanting a truck with a manual transmission. My main question is, would it be more cost effective to convert my current truck or to sell/trade my truck for one that fits my wants more. I have also been growing very fond of the earlier body styles, particularly the 1970 style. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you fellow truck enthusiasts!

Restrorob · 06-14-2010, 02:44 PM

IMO, For a DD you may be better off converting the truck you have. Doing this will leave you the parts needed to go back to auto when (not if) you get tired of shifting every block. I owned sticks for quite a few years and they were fun but a pain at the same time especially after a long days work, All my DD's are auto's now and my 97 is stick but it only gets driven a couple times a month.....

James McClure · 06-14-2010, 05:09 PM

Easier and more cost effective to convert it. I drove 18 wheelers for 10 years and I have a stick in mine, wouldn't drive anything else. After a while you just get used to it and don't even think about it (shifting) and there is so little to go wrong. The only wear items are the clutch and clutch linkage and IF you really learn to drive stick, the only time you use the clutch is starting or stopping.

Slofarmtruck · 06-14-2010, 07:30 PM

Thanks for the advice. I have owned numerous manual transmission cars, but never a truck. Looks like I may need to hit the junk yard. I do like my truck and a conversion seems like a very possible option, just have to finish my project car first so funds can be free'd up. Thanks again.

06-14-2010, 02:18 PM	#1
Slofarmtruck Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Waukesha, WI Posts: 162	Helpfull advice requested! So I find myself in a bit of a dilemma. I just picked up my 86 2wd lwb 305/700R4 truck that I wanted for a long time due to my previous fun with an 84 of similar parts. I just went for a ride in a relatives 32 ford flat head V8 pick up with a manual trans and while that is way to old for a daily driver, I find myself wanting a truck with a manual transmission. My main question is, would it be more cost effective to convert my current truck or to sell/trade my truck for one that fits my wants more. I have also been growing very fond of the earlier body styles, particularly the 1970 style. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you fellow truck enthusiasts!

06-14-2010, 02:44 PM	#2
Restrorob The One And Only !!! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Hole in the woods Florida Posts: 4,567	Re: Helpfull advice requested! IMO, For a DD you may be better off converting the truck you have. Doing this will leave you the parts needed to go back to auto when (not if) you get tired of shifting every block. I owned sticks for quite a few years and they were fun but a pain at the same time especially after a long days work, All my DD's are auto's now and my 97 is stick but it only gets driven a couple times a month..... __________________ 93 Jeep XJ 88 Buick La Sabra Toys; 88 TA-GTA in the works.... 97 GMC Ext. Cab 502 Crate 5 Spd......Sucks Gas But Haulz Azz ! The primary function of an Engineer is to make it difficult for the Fabricator and impossible for the Mechanic. *"Why go out preserved when you can go out beat up, worn out, sliding in sideways screaming, Holy Sh!t What A Ride" !!!*

06-14-2010, 05:09 PM	#3
James McClure One shot, one kill. Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Saratoga Springs NY Posts: 859	Re: Helpfull advice requested! Easier and more cost effective to convert it. I drove 18 wheelers for 10 years and I have a stick in mine, wouldn't drive anything else. After a while you just get used to it and don't even think about it (shifting) and there is so little to go wrong. The only wear items are the clutch and clutch linkage and IF you really learn to drive stick, the only time you use the clutch is starting or stopping. __________________ 1984 K20 350M engine with 465,000 miles. Well, it's finally done!! Almost 2 years of work, but it was really worth the effort. Little stuff left to do is mount winch, wet sand & buff out and build belly pan\running boards. Body work takes lots and LOTS of beer!!!! God, Guts and Guns made America and God, Guts and Guns will preserve it! The worst thing you could do is get into my sights, but that don't matter, you'll never know it, cause you'll never hear the shotJim or Paladin whichever you choose.

06-14-2010, 07:30 PM	#4
Slofarmtruck Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Waukesha, WI Posts: 162	Re: Helpfull advice requested! Thanks for the advice. I have owned numerous manual transmission cars, but never a truck. Looks like I may need to hit the junk yard. I do like my truck and a conversion seems like a very possible option, just have to finish my project car first so funds can be free'd up. Thanks again.

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