Fit a manual gearbox in an auto car

[Dudlow]

I know that some people swop a standard 4 speed for a non Merc 5 speed, but (and please don't laugh) is there a known way of retro fitting a manual gearbox to an auto car , without totally rebuilding the car ?
I have a perfectly functioning auto box in a great car (67' 250), but really hanker after a manual box. I have not driven one, but the auto box lacks involvement.
I am expecting an answer along the lines of change the car, but the car I have is amazing in every other way.

[stickandrudderman]

It's not a trivial matter but it can be done. The parts list is a lot longer than you would imagine.

[Benz Dr.]

I agree. You can go from auto to standard but not the other way around unless you change the wiring harness.

[Dudlow]

Would a conversion of this nature impact either way on the desirability and value of the car to a future owner when eventually it is time to sell ?

[Shvegel]

It depends on the buyer.  It is all reversible and bolt in so as long as you retain the automatic etc it shouldn't matter.

You might want to consider doing the 5 speed Getrag swap(See reasearch and Development section) from scratch rather than the 4 speed.  If you do start shopping for a 4 speed transmission it is W113 only.  On the W113 the rod the shifter attaches to droops down after leaving the gearbox so a sedan box will not fit.  Besides that you will need the complete clutch/flywheel.  the complete clutch hydraulic system, The complete shifter (shift lever is W113 only but can be bought new.), The dual pedal assembly and the front half of the drive shaft and speedo cable.  Your carpet over the transmission tunnel will also need to be changed.

Wrong gearbox listed as correct:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1968-Mercedes-Benz-280SE-4-Speed-Top-Shift-Manual-Transmission-Bell-Housing-/272383861451?fits=Make%3AMercedes-Benz%7CModel%3A280SL&hash=item3f6b57e2cb:g:LM8AAOSwTA9X4Ush&vxp=mtr

Correct shift shaft:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MERCEDES-230-250-280-SL-MANUAL-TRANSMISSION-SHIFT-SHIFTER-COVER-113-230SL-250SL/172322404735?_trksid=p2045573.c100033.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D38530%26meid%3D282334975b2b470e90c87c70b32c1a75%26pid%3D100033%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D7%26sd%3D172322404735