Muncie 3-speed Tranny

NCGuy68 · #1 03-16-2003, 12:56 PM

Picked up this tranny and shifter years ago at a swap meet. What struck me is that the shifter is a 3-sp, but has "Muncie" stamped on the handle. The stamped VIN on the tranny is:

19N637387

Definitely a Norwood 69 car. The Assembly manual shows it was installed in big and small block SS cars. The White book says 3079 69s' received it. I know its a long shot, but I would like to see this tranny find its way to the car is was born in, if its still amongst the living.

Anybody know of this VIN derivative? Anybody own a original 3-sp SS that might need this unit regardless of the VIN?

Thanks for taking a look.

My Email: [email protected]

**Kurt S** · #2 03-17-2003, 12:48 AM

What's the trans code on the pad beside the side cover?

No info on that VIN/car. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

NCGuy68 · #3 03-17-2003, 06:05 PM

No code there, just milling marks. The VIN is stamped on a pad located on the upper right side of the main case.

Its definitely a Muncie 3-speed as described in Al Colvin's 'Chevy by the numbers' 1965-69 book. I've heard several Muncie specialist call it a "Fat Boy". The 1st/reverse shift lever has a lower hole for the steering wheel lockout rod. This, along with the VIN, confirms that it was born in a 69 SS car. As you know, locking the steering wheel was a theft deterrent first introduced in 1969.

Seems that this unique transmission and shifter should have historical significance if nothing else.

Can anyone else chime in on this one?

Thanks for your help Kurt S.

Thomas · #4 03-17-2003, 06:58 PM

When I was searching for my first Muscle Car, about 7 years ago, I looked at a '69 L78 RS/SS that originally came with a 3 speed Heavy Duty Muncie according to the GM of Canada Documentation. It was owned by Mario from Early Birds in Toronto at that time. I may still have the sheet for it if anyone is interested.

Thomas
1969 L78, M22, 4:10, Radio Delete
1969 Z28, M21, 3:73, ZL2, D80
2000 SS Convertible

NCGuy68 · #5 03-18-2003, 09:49 PM

I'am interested in that info if you still have it. Considering how unique the Heavy Duty Muncie 3-speed is, its worth a shot. I've seen it listed as RPO MC1 and RPO M13.

Feel free to PM or email me.

Email: [email protected]

Thanks for your help Thomas

**Kurt S** · #6 03-19-2003, 03:48 AM

M13 was the HD 3-speed in 67/8.
MC1 in 69.

What's the casting # on the main case?

NCGuy68 · #7 03-19-2003, 01:27 PM

Main case casting # 3911940

**Kurt S** · #8 03-19-2003, 08:05 PM

Thanks!

NCGuy68 · #9 03-19-2003, 09:25 PM

Thanks for your help on this Kurt S, and allow me to offer the following:

Two years ago, I spoke with a gentleman at the Turkey Day run in Daytona. He told me that he bought a new 69 L34 Camaro from a dealer in Northern FL. and it had a Muncie 3-speed. In 1974, he attempted to sell the car with no luck. All potential buyers claimed no 69 SS Camaros' came with a 3-speed. He replaced the trans with a 4-speed and eventually sold the car.

I have no reason to doubt the mans' word.

Should we rethink 3 vs. 4 speed Muncie transmissions?

**Kurt S** · #10 03-20-2003, 01:08 AM

That's what happened to a lot of the 3 speeds. Yanked and replaced with 4 speeds. Makes the manual 3 speeds pretty uncommon these days.

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