Millster's Big Project...

[millster]

So, some of you will remember that I deserted my faithful Vibe as I needed something a bit more affordable at the time. I purchased an '04 Chrysler Sebring sedan and while it's been a great car, it's just never really thrilled me. I found a forum for the "Second Generation" Sebring and Stratus a couple of months ago and was intrigued to learn that the standard automatic tranny is the same basic unit used in the LXi sedan with Autostick. OK, so for those who have followed the rambling so far you can see where this is going. An intrepid few have already converted their cars to Autostick.By swapping the instrument cluster, shifter assembly, shifter bezel (boot and plate) and installing a small custom wiring harness I'm converting my stock automatic Sebring into an Autostick as well. I've been working on this for months and have finally acquired the necessary parts so I thought I would share. Once all of the parts are in my hands, I'll start installing and will of course share the process and results for those interested.

[joatmon]

sounds pretty cool. better take and share some pics

[millster]

Oh, you better believe I will!I'm just so excited for it to all come together. I've been anticipating it for so long now!

[joatmon]

How long do you estimate the changeover will take?I just resolved my cluster swap/odometer issue. How are you dealing with that one?

[millster]

Well, from what I understand, it can take the better part of a day to complete if you run into trouble so I'm planning to do it when I have plenty of time that I won't need the car.I lucked out with the Chrysler regarding the cluster. The mileage info is stored in the car's computer and the cluster simply displays it. I'll actually only be changing the two circuit boards from the donor cluster. My car has the black faced Chrysler gauges and I've purchased a Stratus cluster with the white faced gauges that just don't appeal to me. By changing the boards I'm getting the circuitry I need but get to keep my gauge faces.

[joatmon]

Digital cameras are great, you can take a bunch of pictures as you disassemble, then have them handy to help figure out how to put it back together again. I bet you're excited. Sucks to have to wait for the weekend.

[millster]

Ha! You know I never thought of using the photos that way. Yes, I'm very excited. Sadly, I have to wait a bit longer than just the weekend as my shifter assembly hasn't arrived to me yet. Once it does, I'll have to wait until I can really go without the car for a while. I don't like having to wait, but I want to make sure I can spend the time on this project that it will require. I want to be sure everything is done perfectly.

[ragingfish]

Wait, I'm confused.If the stick itself doesn't have the ability to push up and/or down for shift changes, how will you change gears?

[millster]

Quote, originally posted by millster »By swapping the instrument cluster, shifter assembly, shifter bezel (boot and plate) and installing a small custom wiring harness I'm converting my stock automatic Sebring into an Autostick as well.I'll be replacing the shifter, boot and bezel with an Autostick piece. On the Chryslers you pull the stick all the way back and it moves from side to side. It uses magnetic switches, so I'm pondering a way I could adapt paddles on the steering wheel in addition to the stick, but I'm not coming up with much just yet. The best idea I can come up with is using the wiring for the steering wheel audio controls (my car wasn't equipped with them, but the wiring is there) and re-routing that to the shifter. Just haven't had a chance to check it out.At this point, I'm just waiting for the shifter to come in. I had that in my original post, but it was kind of hidden.

[ragingfish]

Ahhhhhhhhhhh always count on me to overlook the obvious. Sounds like quite a project indeed! Reminds me a bit of jeff's steering wheel audio control project, only a heck of a lot more in depth...Definitely gonna be following this one closely.

[ColonelPanic]

That's very cool, millster! I never would have thought that the necessary hardware to make the Autostick work was already built-in. Just change out a few parts, viola - shift it yourself! I love it when you find hidden goodies buried deep in your very own car. It's one thing to find an extra wiring harness that is already there for an option you didn't have, but this is way beyond that. I always thought it required a special transmission to make that work.Good luck on the project! Sounds like it will be fun.

[AKLGT]

so you're finally biting the bullet! good for you, wes! can't wait to see the end result!and yes, i always take pics of my stock parts so i know how the heck to re-assemble them! lol

[Mr. Poopypants]

HMM, I would be interested in seeing how this turns out. >

[ToolGuy]

Can't wait to see the pics Wes! Good luck!!!

[millster]

Thanks all. I'll definitely keep everyone updated. It's still going to be a while before it happens, but I figured I'd share the concept now that I at least know I will be getting all of the necessary parts. I'm hoping this will stir my excitement about this car.

[zionzr2]

so when will this have an adaptation for the vibe?

[kmvibe]

Quote, originally posted by millster »So, some of you will remember that I deserted my faithful Vibe as I needed something a bit more affordable at the time. I purchased an '04 Chrysler Sebring sedan and while it's been a great car, it's just never really thrilled me. I found a forum for the "Second Generation" Sebring and Stratus a couple of months ago and was intrigued to learn that the standard automatic tranny is the same basic unit used in the LXi sedan with Autostick. OK, so for those who have followed the rambling so far you can see where this is going. An intrepid few have already converted their cars to Autostick.By swapping the instrument cluster, shifter assembly, shifter bezel (boot and plate) and installing a small custom wiring harness I'm converting my stock automatic Sebring into an Autostick as well. I've been working on this for months and have finally acquired the necessary parts so I thought I would share. Once all of the parts are in my hands, I'll start installing and will of course share the process and results for those interested. Hey. That forum wouldn't happen to be 2gstratus.org, 2gss.org, or stratusphere.us would it? I'm a member of those forums. Here's my other car ...'95 Dodge Stratus

Attached files

[millster]

Quote, originally posted by kmvibe »Hey. That forum wouldn't happen to be 2gstratus.org, 2gss.org, or stratusphere.us would it? I'm a member of those forums. Here's my other car ...'95 Dodge StratusThat would be 2gss.org. I didn't know about the other two, but I do now!

[ToolGuy]

Quote, originally posted by kmvibe »Here's my other car ...'95 Dodge StratusLooks good KMvibe!

[millster]

Doh! Until MiVibe-ToolGuy posted, I hadn't noticed the attachment. Yes. Looks slick! Takes the family car out of the Stratus for sure. Nice wheels too!

[kmvibe]

Thanks, guys. Millster: I hope those sites helped you out a little...Kenny

[NascarXprt]

kmvibe that front air damn looks lonely. why not get side skirts.

[kmvibe]

At the time I bought the air dam, it (and the touring wing) was the only thing available for the car. Now there's about 4 or 5 different full body kits. Kenny

[joatmon]

Quote, originally posted by millster »Yes, I'm very excited. Sadly, I have to wait a bit longer than just the weekend as my shifter assembly hasn't arrived to me yet. Once it does, I'll have to wait until I can really go without the car for a while. I don't like having to wait, but I want to make sure I can spend the time on this project that it will require. I want to be sure everything is done perfectly.ok, so it's been two months. Can we get some kind of status update on this?

[millster]

Sure.I now have all the pieces and parts, but as I've been "homeless" basically since I announced the project, they've been in storage.I finally got the new house and my stuff is out of storage, but I've no idea when I'll get back to this project. Now I need to finish some things on the house. Priorities, you know.

[ArcsVibe]

Keep us posted!!!