New here with new question

[Ehjax]

Heya fellas,

I am looking into getting a 67-72 someday. Been keeping an eye out and noticed there seems to be no manual transmission trucks out there.

Were they only made automatic?

I'd really like my weekend toy to require more than one foot.

Cheers,
Sean

[leftybass209]

Originally Posted by Ehjax

Heya fellas,

I am looking into getting a 67-72 someday. Been keeping an eye out and noticed there seems to be no manual transmission trucks out there.

Were they only made automatic?

I'd really like my weekend toy to require more than one foot.

Cheers,
Sean

Welcome!

There's plenty of manual transmission 67-72 trucks in every combination of GMC, Chevrolet, LB, SB, Blazer, Suburban, 4x4 and 2wd.

They also accept manual swaps well with off the shelf parts for 4,5, and 6 speeds, both hydraulic and linkage style clutches.

[Ehjax]

Just really rare? Every single one on my local classifieds is an automatic. About 15 or so trucks.

Was hoping for a manual 71-72 Super Cheyenne but have never seen one.

[Steeveedee]

Originally Posted by Ehjax

Just really rare? Every single one on my local classifieds is an automatic. About 15 or so trucks.

Was hoping for a manual 71-72 Super Cheyenne but have never seen one.

Super Cheyenne is kind of a high end package, so you may not see many with manual transmissions. In that time frame, manuals were becoming less common, except for 4WD and heavy duty use (though my Custom Camper has an automatic- 400- not so light duty). I worked for a dealer in those days, and IIRC, maybe 10% were manual transmission models. But is was kind of "city" where I worked, in southern California.

[leftybass209]

No, not rare either. You are getting a very small sample size of only trucks for sale within the past month or so. In contrast, there's probably 35+ 67-72's on CL alone within 100 miles of me. Many have manual trans. Be patient and one will pop up soon enough. Make sure you have cash ready and pounce on it.

[Moose Monkey]

Welcome you will learn a lot here. Manual is easier to find than a non dropped ride. Good hunting

[weq92f]

You should find plenty of 3OTT trucks out there. Try craigslist and look in CA, CO, OK, TX, and other places too!

-klb

[saxart]

Originally Posted by Steeveedee

...I worked for a dealer in those days, and IIRC, maybe 10% were manual transmission models. But is was kind of "city" where I worked, in southern California.

I suspect this plays a huge role in what you're seeing. My guess is that those of us in "farm country" (that's me!) will see more manual trucks than someone like Steeveedee.

These trucks came with either a 3-on-the-tree set up, or a SM465 which was a floor-shift 4-speed that is actually more of a 3-speed with an extra "granny low" 1st gear. They're out there, and you shouldn't be paying extra to get one either.

[HO455]

Subscribe to the C/L finds thread. I have posted a couple of them as of late.
Good luck and welcome aboard!

[skytop]

I believe manual transmissions are now 'obsolete.' Most trucks were ordered new with automatics. Most folks are restoring their trucks with contemporary automatic transmissions. The auto is easier to drive and yields better performance and MPG. I drove manuals for 40 years and am now a converted automatic man.

[Canuckvetter]

Welcome! I joined this forum before buying a truck. I got TONS of great advice before I found the right one or two lol.

Good luck with your search, don't be shy with the questions.

[Grumpy old man]

Automatics are for girls

They're 50 year old trucks and I like being a "driver " using 2 arms and 2 legs rather than sitting in a 1 foot wonder just along for the ride Theres just something about having that 3-4 speed manual trans that takes me back to my younger days and I still enjoy shifting . Maybe I'll switch to an auto when I get old .....

[jocko]

I think the idea of a Cheyenne Super with a manual is being glossed over a bit - have only seen a handful, ever, for the reasons Steeveedee mentions. If your heart is set on a super, it will be a long search for a manual trans truck, but they are out there occasionally. My recommendation is to prioritize your want list - and then search in a wider radius than just local, and you'll find what you are looking for. For example - I'd start with the truck basics - do you want 2 or 4 wheel drive and do you want a 1/2,3/4, or 1 ton? if 1/2, lwb or swb? Another big filtering item is fleetside or stepside. Once you narrow those basics down- then get to the gotta haves vs the wanna haves, i.e. manual trans, minimum trim level you will accept, options, etc. If Cheyenne Super and manual trans are must-haves, it may be a longer search. Just gotta be honest with yourself as to what is a must have. I'll throw this out there after years of buying and searching - a "good condition" truck, regardless of trim level, is a gem and will give you tons of enjoyment as compared to a Cheyenne Super that is covered with rust and in pieces. And don't forget about the budget...

[geezer#99]

Originally Posted by Ehjax

Heya fellas,

I am looking into getting a 67-72 someday. Been keeping an eye out and noticed there seems to be no manual transmission trucks out there.

Were they only made automatic?

I'd really like my weekend toy to require more than one foot.

Cheers,
Sean

I've seen more standard trans trucks here on the Island than ones with an automatic.
You just gotta look everywhere.
Get off your computer and go tour around at some swap meets and car shows. Lots out there.
http://www.autoeventlist.com/

If you see something up island you want checked out, just ask!

[OregonNed]

My '68 was a manual truck swapped to an auto before I bought it. A farm truck from Northeastern Oregon.

[jeffahart]

Since you're on the hunt it's the time to be looking at other attributes that might be a bit of a hassle to change after you buy. Example, do you like a wood bed? I love mine, don't ask me why, just think it's old school cool. I like the fleetside bed style on these trucks, keeps the lines clean from front to rear. I like a long bed. I like the 69-70 grill. I like 4x4. I like a truck bumper on the rear not a car bumper... lot's of hot rodders here, so I'm the minority on that one probably. I like the white bonnet. I like a bench seat with my wife sitting next to me!

Oh, and I love the SM645 NP205 combo... lovin' life!

[El Dorado Jim]

I bought my 72 K10, changed axles to 3/4 ton,now call it a K20...I got rid of the automatic and put in a sm465 4spd,with the 205 trans case....I love shifting , and manual transmissions get better mileage than automatics, unlike what another poster said...there is alot of slippage and lost energy in an automatic, where you have direct hookup with a manual,via the clutch....manuals are cheaper and easy to rebuild, clutches last a long time, I havent changed my clutch in my 74 K20 in 20 years and it gets used alot...and clutches are cheap if you need to replace one.....keep looking for a manual truck, it is worth it....