Should I convert to manual for higher resale

[Ben Swann]

Scott,

Thanks for the candid answer.  This would probably be my ultimate
conclusion.

However, I am wondering, as I thought other than the trans mount adaptor
(BTDT years ago with similar DSHER auto to trans conversion) that I could
literally drop the model 80 transaxle/subframe, and re-plant it into the
coupe.  This includes the struts, axles, hubs, brakes, etc.  What are the
real show stoppers if any.  My recall on the Dasher swap was I had to make
up a mount bracket for the trans as the automatic tunnel was too large.  I
know I would need flywheel and Pressure Plate from 5 speed(on-hand) and
correct clutch disk.

I might even consider doing this and selling my '85 4kq (black beater),
since this seems to be to nice of a car and I had many enquiries on the 4kq
since I registered it.

Like you say, advertising may help, as I am sure if I parked it on a busy
corner I'd have it sold in a day, but I am not able to do that - cars get
towed for that sort of thing.

Ben

On Thursday, October 24, 2002 11:36 AM, ScottyCBoy at aol.com
[SMTP:ScottyCBoy at aol.com] wrote:
> In a message dated 10/24/2002 9:54:09 AM Eastern Standard Time,
bswann at worldnet.att.net writes:
>
> > <snip>
> >
> > My question is:
> >
> > Would it be worth my time to convert this thing to a standard
transmision
> > since I have the complete drivetrain from an '89 model 80??  How much
is
> > this worth?  Is there just no market for these mid '80's cars if they
are
> > not Ur-quats or turbo quattro wagons.  I suppose that was a rhetorical
> > question.
> >
> > On that note, I also have the drivetrain from an '87 4kq, but I think
that
> > undertaking would require floorpan modification, etc. right?
> >
> > <snip>
> >
> > Ben
> >
> > OK - shamless plug here linking to the car
>
> In my opinion it would be a waste of time, many of the 80 parts are
different than the coupe stuff. The parts simply won't swap in you'll have
to do some welding of the body to mount the shifter and transmission mount.
Try selling the vehicle at a realistic value and I bet it will sell.
Advertising also works. These cars aren't worht much anymore I doubt you
could get much more than 2000 for it auto or manual.