How rare is a factory manual trans? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

encasedmetal · 05-11-2016, 08:05 AM

tried to search but didn't find numbers- so I was wondering if anyone can give me at least a ballpark of how many of these trucks came with in the floor manuals. I have an 85' with a SM465 and I haven't seen another like it-even after rod run there wasn't a single square body there with a manual trans. thanks

andrewmp6 · 05-11-2016, 08:43 AM

Probably half of them on this forum have a stick in them i bet.

Tiger Joe · 05-11-2016, 09:07 AM

not rare at all.

MalibuSSwagon · 05-11-2016, 09:23 AM

My 86 C10 came with a factory installed SM465. And I've seen other ones.

RandyP · 05-11-2016, 09:42 AM

Every time I hear "how rare is" on here I always think back to that quote someone had in their profile. "Rare does not mean desirable. It is rare I crap my pants, but never desirable."

Keith Seymore · 05-11-2016, 10:07 AM

SM465 (M20) is not rare at all in a pickup. Somewhat rare in a Suburban.

Three on the tree (M62/M64) was base but is a little more rare.

New Process A833 (RPO MY6, manual overdrive with a factory Hurst shifter) I would consider somewhat rare.

K

barry1982 · 05-11-2016, 02:00 PM

I think it depends on where you are. Seems you see more autos around town.In the farming communities lots of "Farmer 4-speeds". I prefer standards, and have an 82 4 x 4 with a SM465 and an 82 1/2 ton with the A833

Tiger Joe · 05-11-2016, 02:07 PM

I thought of the A883 OD after I posted. I would say that is the only rare transmission in these trucks.

I've actually never seen one in person in my area. I knew of 1 but never actually saw it.

l1l · 05-11-2016, 04:11 PM

A833 is actually very rare , I only saw one in my entire life.

Keith Seymore · 05-11-2016, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tiger Joe

I thought of the A883 OD after I posted. I would say that is the only rare transmission in these trucks.

I've actually never seen one in person in my area. I knew of 1 but never actually saw it.

Mine is original.

You are welcome to have a look if you are ever in the Motor City.

You can read about it in my intro thread linked below.

K

**mongocanfly** · 05-11-2016, 06:26 PM

Every square I've owned has had the sm465 in it.

1968vetL-71 · 05-11-2016, 07:46 PM

LMAO @ Randy. I needed that after today!! Thats good stuff right there.

But yes i'll agree with the other guys, not rare at all.

vidman · 05-11-2016, 07:57 PM

My 79 had a 4 on the floor

Keith Seymore · 05-11-2016, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandyP

Every time I hear "how rare is" on here I always think back to that quote someone had in their profile. "Rare does not mean desirable. It is rare I crap my pants, but never desirable."

The quote "...there are no rare squares..." has been attributed to me (and maybe rightly so).

KQQL IT · 05-11-2016, 11:58 PM

Fairly unusual in 1/2 tons in California.
Seemed like full Spec silverado was the norm.

Base trucks had 4 speeds but still unusual in 1/2 tons
Even manual brakes are unusual.

Had to hunt a bit for a manual brake pushrod for my '73

**Gregski** · 05-12-2016, 02:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewmp6

Probably half of them on this forum have a stick in them i bet.

not quite I would say 1 in 5 if that on this forum, in two years visiting my local Pick N Pull junk yards I have come across 3 manual square bodies and I hit a yard at least once a month

**Gregski** · 05-12-2016, 02:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by l1l

a833 is actually very rare , i only saw one in my entire life.

+ 1, finally got one installed and absolutely love it so far

lilpoindexter · 05-12-2016, 11:22 PM

My Fremont, CA built 1978 C10 short stepper with a 250 had a three on the tree when i Bought it. it's been in LA/OC its entire life. Manual brakes, no lighter, heater only, no dash vents, yadda yadda yadda. i thought 3ott was cool when i got it, but damn, there are wide steps between the ratios. I couldn't wait to pitch it for a T5.

andrewmp6 · 05-13-2016, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

The quote "...there are no rare squares..." has been attributed to me (and maybe rightly so).

I wouldn't call a square body rare but some had rare options like a long bed step side.

Keith Seymore · 05-13-2016, 07:26 AM

After you've seen a million of 'em* nothing is rare...

K

*60 per hour x 8 hours per day x 320 days a year x 6 years = 921,600

1968vetL-71 · 05-13-2016, 07:43 AM

Keith,
Were the Crew Cab 4x4's built at your plant? That would of been pretty neat seeing those monsters new!

Keith Seymore · 05-16-2016, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1968vetL-71

Keith,
Were the Crew Cab 4x4's built at your plant? That would of been pretty neat seeing those monsters new!

Yep. Pickups on Line 1; Blazer/ Suburban on Line 2.

The only problem with seeing them new is that you want to buy one of each.

K

74CustomK20 · 05-17-2016, 10:14 AM

I have a 465, an a833, and a nv3500 to pick from for my square. Only problem is the 465 is the only one that handled the abuse.

Tom · 05-17-2016, 01:14 PM

I'm willing to bet there are more manual 73-87's then 88-98's out there. I've seen plethora's.

**MikeB** · 05-17-2016, 04:22 PM

Do you guys typically start off in 1st gear with the SM465? Seems like it would be done in less than 50 feet.

05-11-2016, 08:05 AM	#1
encasedmetal Registered User Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: asheville nc Posts: 151	How rare is a factory manual trans? tried to search but didn't find numbers- so I was wondering if anyone can give me at least a ballpark of how many of these trucks came with in the floor manuals. I have an 85' with a SM465 and I haven't seen another like it-even after rod run there wasn't a single square body there with a manual trans. thanks

05-11-2016, 08:43 AM	#2
andrewmp6 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Louisville,Ky Posts: 5,811	Re: How rare is a factory manual trans? Probably half of them on this forum have a stick in them i bet.

05-11-2016, 09:07 AM	#3
Tiger Joe Registered User Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: South of Pittsburgh Posts: 428	Re: How rare is a factory manual trans? not rare at all.

05-11-2016, 09:23 AM	#4
MalibuSSwagon Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Weare,NH Posts: 1,592	Re: How rare is a factory manual trans? My 86 C10 came with a factory installed SM465. And I've seen other ones. __________________ Eric 1992 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser 1986 Chevrolet C10\|5.3L\|TKO600\|Shortbed\|Custom Deluxe 1983 Malibu Wagon\|TPI 305\|T5 5 speed\|3.73 non-posi

05-11-2016, 09:42 AM	#5
RandyP Getting Old; Going Broke Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Owasso OK Posts: 2,764	Re: How rare is a factory manual trans? Every time I hear "how rare is" on here I always think back to that quote someone had in their profile. "Rare does not mean desirable. It is rare I crap my pants, but never desirable." __________________ *Why is every used 350 sbc out of a corvette?* There's only two things that excite a man, expensive toys and real expensive toys. *VEGETARIAN: That's an old Indian word meaning "I don't hunt so good."* When the going gets tough, switch to power tools.

05-11-2016, 10:07 AM	#6
Keith Seymore Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Motor City Posts: 9,226	Re: How rare is a factory manual trans? SM465 (M20) is not rare at all in a pickup. Somewhat rare in a Suburban. Three on the tree (M62/M64) was base but is a little more rare. New Process A833 (RPO MY6, manual overdrive with a factory Hurst shifter) I would consider somewhat rare. K __________________ Chevrolet Flint Assembly 1979-1986 GM Full Size Truck Engineering 1986 - 2019 Intro from an Old Assembly Guy: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=342926 My Pontiac story: http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=560524 Chevelle intro: http://www.superchevy.com/features/s...hevy-chevelle/

05-11-2016, 02:00 PM	#7
barry1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Waskatenau, Alberta Posts: 259	Re: How rare is a factory manual trans? I think it depends on where you are. Seems you see more autos around town.In the farming communities lots of "Farmer 4-speeds". I prefer standards, and have an 82 4 x 4 with a SM465 and an 82 1/2 ton with the A833

05-11-2016, 02:07 PM	#8
Tiger Joe Registered User Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: South of Pittsburgh Posts: 428	Re: How rare is a factory manual trans? I thought of the A883 OD after I posted. I would say that is the only rare transmission in these trucks. I've actually never seen one in person in my area. I knew of 1 but never actually saw it.

05-11-2016, 04:11 PM	#9
l1l Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: FL Posts: 247	Re: How rare is a factory manual trans? A833 is actually very rare , I only saw one in my entire life.

05-11-2016, 06:26 PM	#11
mongocanfly Post Whore Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alabama Posts: 14,671	Re: How rare is a factory manual trans? Every square I've owned has had the sm465 in it.

05-11-2016, 07:46 PM	#12
1968vetL-71 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Murfreesboro, Tn Posts: 1,092	Re: How rare is a factory manual trans? LMAO @ Randy. I needed that after today!! Thats good stuff right there. But yes i'll agree with the other guys, not rare at all. __________________ 1969 impala conv 427 #s loaded. dad bought new 1969 "Judge" RA-3, rare warwick blue/white, #'s 1968 vet convertible #s 427/435 tripower (sold) 1968 belair 2door post #s 427/385 1936 ford 5w coupe dads 1st car 1969 camaro ss (17,xxx) miles Wanted: 69-72 suburban project, 69 camaro convertible. also any big block cars. 69-70 gto judge project.

05-11-2016, 07:57 PM	#13
vidman Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Fitchburg,Mass Posts: 737	Re: How rare is a factory manual trans? My 79 had a 4 on the floor __________________ 62 Willys 4wd Pickup : 72 C-10 swb 504 stroker 09 Taco 3" lift 33" tires: 90 K-5 blazer (plow truck): RIP Ross Little brother

05-11-2016, 11:58 PM	#15
KQQL IT At the body shop. Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Land of fruits and nuts. Posts: 5,257	Re: How rare is a factory manual trans? Fairly unusual in 1/2 tons in California. Seemed like full Spec silverado was the norm. Base trucks had 4 speeds but still unusual in 1/2 tons Even manual brakes are unusual. Had to hunt a bit for a manual brake pushrod for my '73 __________________ " That didnt make it any newer " " Dont antique the equipment " Last edited by KQQL IT; 05-12-2016 at 12:25 AM. Reason: Redo

05-12-2016, 11:22 PM	#18
lilpoindexter Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: los angeles Posts: 1,134	Re: How rare is a factory manual trans? My Fremont, CA built 1978 C10 short stepper with a 250 had a three on the tree when i Bought it. it's been in LA/OC its entire life. Manual brakes, no lighter, heater only, no dash vents, yadda yadda yadda. i thought 3ott was cool when i got it, but damn, there are wide steps between the ratios. I couldn't wait to pitch it for a T5.

05-13-2016, 07:26 AM	#20
Keith Seymore Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Motor City Posts: 9,226	Re: How rare is a factory manual trans? After you've seen a million of 'em* nothing is rare... K 60 per hour x 8 hours per day x 320 days a year x 6 years = 921,600 __________________ Chevrolet Flint Assembly 1979-1986 GM Full Size Truck Engineering 1986 - 2019 Intro from an Old Assembly Guy: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=342926 My Pontiac story: http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=560524 Chevelle intro: http://www.superchevy.com/features/s...hevy-chevelle/ Last edited by Keith Seymore; 05-13-2016 at 07:32 AM.*



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05-13-2016, 07:43 AM	#21
1968vetL-71 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Murfreesboro, Tn Posts: 1,092	Re: How rare is a factory manual trans? Keith, Were the Crew Cab 4x4's built at your plant? That would of been pretty neat seeing those monsters new! __________________ 1969 impala conv 427 #s loaded. dad bought new 1969 "Judge" RA-3, rare warwick blue/white, #'s 1968 vet convertible #s 427/435 tripower (sold) 1968 belair 2door post #s 427/385 1936 ford 5w coupe dads 1st car 1969 camaro ss (17,xxx) miles Wanted: 69-72 suburban project, 69 camaro convertible. also any big block cars. 69-70 gto judge project.

05-17-2016, 10:14 AM	#23
74CustomK20 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Tell City, IN Posts: 637	Re: How rare is a factory manual trans? I have a 465, an a833, and a nv3500 to pick from for my square. Only problem is the 465 is the only one that handled the abuse. __________________ Big Nate Carp. Local 224. Buy made in the USA! 03 F350 6.0 Daily Race Truck. 79 C70 366 Project Dump.

05-17-2016, 01:14 PM	#24
Tom driving is in my blood Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Mesa AZ Posts: 5,748	Re: How rare is a factory manual trans? I'm willing to bet there are more manual 73-87's then 88-98's out there. I've seen plethora's. __________________ -78 c10 short/step: 388cid, M20, 5/5 drop, lots more. Playtoy and first vehicle. -98 c1500 x-cab: 5.7L, 17" rims, 5/6 drop, flowmaster, helper bags,NBS rear disk brakes. -02 Suburban 4x4: leveled front -CBR600F4i, CBR600RR, CBR1000RR, and standup skis DISCLAIMER: I cant spell for the life of me.

05-17-2016, 04:22 PM	#25
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,597	Re: How rare is a factory manual trans? Do you guys typically start off in 1st gear with the SM465? Seems like it would be done in less than 50 feet. __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 35 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

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