auto or manual ???

[ET702]

I have a 72 chevy stepside. I finally tore up the carpet and found that there is a hole in the floor for a manual transmission. Did all trucks cabs come with a hole for a manual transmission or was mine converted to automatic transmission later. ?????

[sjarrett71]

The transmission should be listed on the SPID on the glove box door, assuming it's still there. Do you have a high hump floor or a low hump? Does the hole look hacked up or like it could have been done at the factory?

[69C-owner]

sjarrett71 really just told you all you need to know but to add to what he said if it was a factory automatic then no that hole shouldnt be there, at least there isnt one in my truck, 69 long fleet factory turbo 350 auto

[capev86]

general purpose, towing.....700r4

sporty......5 or 6 speed manual overdrive

retro....3 on the tree with borg warner overdrive (upgrading 3 spd on my 72 burb c20)

i'd say if you want to go back to a manual trans, get a modern gear box. it will make highway driving much more pleasant. the 3 speed autos and 4 speed standards of the day were stout pieces, but are seriously outdated and don't offer much in the way of economy/highway ability unless you compromise with a super soft rear axle ratio.