I am thinking about switching from 3 on the tree to a 3 speed floor shifter in my 56 pickup. The linkage for the column shifter is not reliable. I don't mind popping the hood now an again to tweek the linkage but it limits where I go. I don't want it to lock up in a bad spot. Has anyone had experience with this? Iguess I am wondering how labor intensive it is. Thanks in advance for any tips.
In my '53, they swapped out the transmission, putting in a granny 4-speed with stick shift.
The old column mounting shift linkage was left in place, they just cut off the column shift lever with a grinder. My Dad had a big ring of keys hanging from the stub. LOL
'53 3100 5-window '57 Mercury Monterey 2-Door Sedan Tim H
Most floor shift conversions for 3 speed transmissions put the shift stick in an awkward position and require you to butcher up the floor pan pretty badly. Unless you do some creative fabrication to the shift lever, you'll usually end up with the stick tight against the front of the seat cushion, making 1st. and 3rd. gear hard to engage without modifying the bench seat or installing bucket seats. Try to find a good condition Hurst Dual Pattern shifter at a flea market or a swap meet. Some of the shifters produced by Mr. Gasket or some of the overseas copycats are pure junk, and they'll make you wish you had you're moderately flaky column shift back. Considering the cost and hassle involved, I'd recommend rebuilding the original shift linkage. Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
My suggestion would be to first look at what is causing the problem. There are some wear points that can be repaired and bushings that can be replaced. Check to see if there is grease in the shifter control box and adjust the linkage. I believe there are still some aftermarket 3 speed floor shift conversions available. Also some used units providing the're not worn out. You could just be replacing one problem with another one. Fred
1956 3100 Pickup/Red/350/3sp OD/PS/Disc Brakes 1957 Bel Air Sport Coupe/Red/355/TH350/PS/Disc Brakes 2017 Silverado LT Single Cab SB/Black/5.3/6 Speed Trans 1947 Willys CJ2A w/F-Head engine
I have had no luck finding replacement linkage items for the column(bushings or otherwise). All i find is the bushings from off the trans itself. Any sources.?I did clean out and regrease the housing. Not sure how to adjust it. It seems like a common problem with this type of linkage. Any tips would be appreciated greatly. Thank you
Repairing the shift system requires a bit of mechanical skill. Not overwhelming but you must be pretty meticulous. Welding up elongated holes and redrilling levers. Replacing components inside the shifter box on the column. Get a repair manual or Chiltons for your truck. Procedure will be outlined there. Parts are available from all the usual old truck outlets.
Martin '62 Chevy C-10 Stepside Shortbed (Restomod in progress) '47 Chevy 3100 5 Window (long term project) ‘65 Chevy Biscayne (Emily) ‘39 Dodge Business Coupe (Clarence) “I fought the law and the law won" now I are a retired one! Support those brave men/women who stand the "Thin Blue Line"! Hug a cop! USAF 1965-1969 Weather Observation Tech (I got paid to look at the clouds)
Another thing to pay attention to is the motor and trans mounts. I found in my 51 Chevy 2 dr sdn that drivetrain movement will contribute to missed and hard shifting. Just something else to look at. I have a 261 with a 235 head in it. Still using and loving the 3 on da tree. I actually broke a front motor mount. Replaced it and chained motor. I also drilled through both trans mounts and put a grade 8 bolt through em. Made all the difference in the world.Good luck. Dont overlook obvious issues. I usually find out the hard and more expensive way..
