1970 CST-10 3 spd to Automatic Conversion - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

beeftip · 09-30-2006, 02:32 AM

Sorry, I know this has been talked about in a lot of different ways already. I've been through the posts. I just need a little guidance for my particular situation is all.

We have a 1970 CST-10 with 3 on the tree. We don't like 3 on the tree any more. Sure, it was "retro-cool" at first, but now I'm just sick of it. Couple that with the manual drum brakes and the truck begins to wear you out after 50 or so miles. But the brakes are another story (I want to upgrade to power/disc all around. Feel free to chime in on that as well).

So I'd like to convert to an automatic and keep everything looking stock. I'd like overdrive for highway cruising. I've read that there's some linkage issues with shifting to first (low), is this going to apply? I'm not sure how often I'll need it, if ever, but I'm kind of anal about things working properly.

Finally, I won't be doing any of the work myself. My best tool is my wallet, I'll leave the work to a pro.

So what kind of can of worms am I opening? Other than the transmission, what parts will I need? What kind of transmission is best for my needs? (I don't need drag racing capability, just running to the dump, Home Depot and entering the occasional car show) How do you calibrate the speedo after the conversion? Do I really need to know how to calibrate the speedo if I'm not doing the work?

Thanks for your help and patience.

Darren

PanelDeland · 09-30-2006, 09:12 AM

Go to search and type in "700r4 swap" there will be tons of info on the most popular swap for your truck.BTW search is at the top of the page in the tool bar if you haven't found it.

mrein3 · 09-30-2006, 10:14 AM

I don't know where Marshall, WI is but if you can drive to the twin cities, this will get you going on changing out those drum brakes:

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/pts/212294692.html

Ramsey is NW of Minneapolis.

Those brakes and a 700r4 and you should be good to go.

Longhorn Man · 09-30-2006, 11:45 AM

there is absolutly no need to rear disks, onless you just want the bling factor, you are off roading in the mud, or you are loaded down at 50% GVW or more, most of the time. Otherwise, all a rear disc conversion will do is take your money.

**jlmerie** · 09-30-2006, 02:16 PM

I know this is not what you asked, but I believe you would be way better off to sell your current truck and go find one that has what you want. Any 71 or 72 will have the disc brakes. Then all you will need to do is find one that is already an automatic. Not a very difficult truck to find. You will never recover the money you spend changing your current truck. It might be different if you could do the work yourself. Just my $.02

beeftip · 09-30-2006, 10:15 PM

Excellent replies, thank you so much for the help.

I really did consider trying to sell our truck and finding one that has auto and power disc brakes. Problem is that Mrs. Beeftip is very attached to this particular truck. I think its worth more to have her loving this truck (she was born in 1970) and supporting my want to "hop" it up then the money I'd be saving by "starting out right".

Thanks again for the help fellas. I'll let you know how everything turns out.

Darren

09-30-2006, 02:32 AM	#1
beeftip Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Marshall, WI Posts: 20	1970 CST-10 3 spd to Automatic Conversion Sorry, I know this has been talked about in a lot of different ways already. I've been through the posts. I just need a little guidance for my particular situation is all. We have a 1970 CST-10 with 3 on the tree. We don't like 3 on the tree any more. Sure, it was "retro-cool" at first, but now I'm just sick of it. Couple that with the manual drum brakes and the truck begins to wear you out after 50 or so miles. But the brakes are another story (I want to upgrade to power/disc all around. Feel free to chime in on that as well). So I'd like to convert to an automatic and keep everything looking stock. I'd like overdrive for highway cruising. I've read that there's some linkage issues with shifting to first (low), is this going to apply? I'm not sure how often I'll need it, if ever, but I'm kind of anal about things working properly. Finally, I won't be doing any of the work myself. My best tool is my wallet, I'll leave the work to a pro. So what kind of can of worms am I opening? Other than the transmission, what parts will I need? What kind of transmission is best for my needs? (I don't need drag racing capability, just running to the dump, Home Depot and entering the occasional car show) How do you calibrate the speedo after the conversion? Do I really need to know how to calibrate the speedo if I'm not doing the work? Thanks for your help and patience. Darren __________________ 1970 Chevy CST-10 3 speed manual (3 on the tree, baby! Woo Hoo!) GM Goodwrench rebuilt crate motor Manual Drum Brakes Permanently foggy windshield Weak Wiper Motor Squeaky Clutch and Brake Pedal Really Cool Green Paint It's for sale!

09-30-2006, 09:12 AM	#2
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	Re: 1970 CST-10 3 spd to Automatic Conversion Go to search and type in "700r4 swap" there will be tons of info on the most popular swap for your truck.BTW search is at the top of the page in the tool bar if you haven't found it. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

09-30-2006, 10:14 AM	#3
mrein3 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Center City, MN, USA Posts: 3,254	Re: 1970 CST-10 3 spd to Automatic Conversion I don't know where Marshall, WI is but if you can drive to the twin cities, this will get you going on changing out those drum brakes: http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/pts/212294692.html Ramsey is NW of Minneapolis. Those brakes and a 700r4 and you should be good to go. __________________ '70 cab, '71 chassis, 383, TH350, NP205. '71 Malibu convertible '72 Malibu hard top Center City, MN

09-30-2006, 11:45 AM	#4
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: 1970 CST-10 3 spd to Automatic Conversion there is absolutly no need to rear disks, onless you just want the bling factor, you are off roading in the mud, or you are loaded down at 50% GVW or more, most of the time. Otherwise, all a rear disc conversion will do is take your money.

09-30-2006, 02:16 PM	#5
jlmerie Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,077	Re: 1970 CST-10 3 spd to Automatic Conversion I know this is not what you asked, but I believe you would be way better off to sell your current truck and go find one that has what you want. Any 71 or 72 will have the disc brakes. Then all you will need to do is find one that is already an automatic. Not a very difficult truck to find. You will never recover the money you spend changing your current truck. It might be different if you could do the work yourself. Just my $.02 __________________ James

09-30-2006, 10:15 PM	#6
beeftip Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Marshall, WI Posts: 20	Re: 1970 CST-10 3 spd to Automatic Conversion Excellent replies, thank you so much for the help. I really did consider trying to sell our truck and finding one that has auto and power disc brakes. Problem is that Mrs. Beeftip is very attached to this particular truck. I think its worth more to have her loving this truck (she was born in 1970) and supporting my want to "hop" it up then the money I'd be saving by "starting out right". Thanks again for the help fellas. I'll let you know how everything turns out. Darren __________________ 1970 Chevy CST-10 3 speed manual (3 on the tree, baby! Woo Hoo!) GM Goodwrench rebuilt crate motor Manual Drum Brakes Permanently foggy windshield Weak Wiper Motor Squeaky Clutch and Brake Pedal Really Cool Green Paint It's for sale! Last edited by beeftip; 09-30-2006 at 10:15 PM.



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