manual 3 speed to hydramatic conversion?

[bigbry13]

Hi all,
I currently own a 47 coupe with a hydramatic and I am looking at buying a 47 convertible. the convertible i am pondering has a 3 on the tree manual transmission which I am capable of driving, but my personal preference is for the automatic. has anyone converted the 3 speed to a hydramatic. id like to keep the car "stock" per se. any info would be appreciated.
Bryan

[Bob Hoffmann CLC#96]

The 47 convertible  with a 3 speed manual is a RARE & desirable  bird. I would suggest you never convert it.
 Bob

[Jay Friedman]

I agree with Bob.

[bcroe]

My advice is drive it as is, or find a hydro
parts car.  You will need so many different
parts, starting with the column with its lever,
throttle linkage, mounts, radiator connection
if that model used it, gear display, and more. 

If I was putting in an automatic, it would be
a TH400 which not only will perform better, but
be more reliable and FAR easier to find parts
and service for.  No throttle linkage. 
good luck, Bruce Roe

[harry s]

I agree with leaving it as is but if you were switching parts from your coupe to the conv and those back it would not be hard as you would have everything and also knowing how it fits or as suggested get a donor car. You would have to change the column linkage as suggested along with foot pedals, distributor tower, bell housing & clutch linkage. To be safe addition of a neutral safety switch. Another consideration is the rear axle ratio is different which would cause early and abrupt shifts in the hydramatic. There are probably some other items that would pop up.    Harry

[V63]

I owned a 47 with 3 speed and it ended any possible preference for the hydro, they drive and shift so nicely.