The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline 57 Chevy Truck 3-on-the-Tree Resto – what else do I need?

I'm working on putting the original 3-speed column shift back into my 1957 3100. At some point the truck was converted to a floor shifter, but it appears to have originally been a 3-on-the-tree truck. The column still has the mounting holes for the shifter parts, the firewall plates have the openings for the shift shaft mechanism, and the truck still has what appears to be the original 3-speed transmission.

I've collected quite a few original column-shift parts from eBay. The pictures show what I currently have: the column shift lever and upper shaft, the shift box/mechanism and lower shaft, and the two transmission shift rods with their clamps.

I know I'm missing the coupling that connects the upper and lower shift shafts. Both of my shafts have the offset transverse relief/hole near the end and serrations on the opposite side. I've included a picture of a similar coupling from a 1949-52 setup to show the type of part I'm looking for. I realize the earlier part may not be identical to the 1957 version.

Does anyone know of a source for this link? Does anyone know whether the earlier style shown will work, or whether Chevrolet used the same or a compatible coupling on another car or truck application?

Also, looking at the parts I have in the pictures, what else am I missing to put the complete factory column-shift system back together? I'm especially interested in any bushings, springs, clips, brackets, hardware, or other small pieces that aren't obvious until you actually assemble one.

Does anyone have factory adjustment information or a good procedure for setting up the shift box and transmission rods? I'd like to clean/rebuild everything, replace any worn bushings, and adjust it correctly rather than just bolt it together and hope for the best.

I also know a lot of these trucks were converted from the original 3-on-the-tree to floor shifters over the years. Was there a particular weakness or problem with the original column-shift setup that caused so many people to get rid of it? Were there specific bushings, linkage parts, or parts of the shift box that commonly wore out and caused binding, missed shifts, or getting stuck between gears?

If the original system works well when everything is tight and properly adjusted, I'd really like to put mine back that way. I think the 3-on-the-tree is pretty cool and is part of the character of the truck.

Thanks for any pictures, parts leads, measurements, adjustment information, or advice.

From what your photo's show, you will need the coupler that connects the two shafts
together and the 2 shift levers that mount on the side cover.
It's possible that the previous owner modified the original levers or the side cover
shafts for the floor shifter.
The shifter box is made of pot metal and has a potential wear problem.
Fred

LAW79 - It's great that your are seeking detailed info on what is needed to restore your 3 speed column shifter, but there is one draw back in your post that needs to be edited out and posted in the correct place please and thanks.


Asking "Does anyone have the correct coupling for a 1957 truck for sale..." breaks the forum rules on asking to buy and/or sell things in the Tech Forums. So if you would please edit that out in your original post above then create an ad in the Swap Meet's Truck Parts Wanted forum for what you seek, we can get back to answering your other information questions to help you ID any missing parts and service/adjustment questions.

PS: You can find detailed exploded diagrams and parts listings for your truck HERE as well as column mounted shifter service and adjustment details in Section 7 of the 1955.2 Second Series Chevy Truck Shop Manual. The '57 Truck Shop Manual section 7 covering this info is word for word exactly the same as the '55.2 book.

Sorry about the overlap with the Swap Meet rules. I’ve edited the original post to remove the request to buy the part.

Thanks for the links and for pointing me toward Section 7 of the shop manual. That sounds like exactly the information I was looking for on the shift linkage and adjustment procedure. I appreciate the help.

Thanks for the edit/update and glad the pointers get you the info you need.