I have a 1980 ford f-100 with a straight 6--300 with a manual trans--I would like to change it for a auto transmission--what do I need? and what do I need to do? also where would be the best place to get the parts? thanks for any help

 

switching to auto is easy. It is real simple I recomend a C6. Your crossmember still works becuase all you have to do is switch it around until the holes line up for c6 I am not sure what you have in there now a 3spd or 4. If you notice the cross memeber has 6 holes in it for 3 different transmissions. 4spd , 3spd, and auto. You need to run a vacum line from intake to dash pod on transmission. find the flex plate for 300 and install in place of clutch,pressure plate, and remove fly wheel. Bolt on c6, (small block bell housing pattern)
Then all you have to do is find an auto steering colunm. run your linkage, and swap out your dash gear slector plate on the bottom of the instrument cluster. It just unscrews and then you run the cable to the column and the gear shifter. You also can't use the same gear on your transmission cable in the tranny. A manual transmission turns the opposite direction. so make sure you get the plastic gear with the tranny. Make sure it is the same color of gear as the one you all ready have. If not you can get the right gear at your local ford dealer. If you speedo is off just change the that gear. You can tell very easy if you have a trip meter. Just push in trip meter on mile maker and it should be just turning one mile at the next mile marker. It runs off same gear as speedo.

Finally remove the old clutch pedal assembly by unbolting it.

good luck
Chuck