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Gentlemen,

If this gets posted, it will be my first.
I have a stock 1950 5-window pickup which is driven weekly. The column shift linkage needs rebuilding. I'd like to install a floor shift conversion. These used to be available all over when I was a kid, but now seem impossible to find. Is there a source (other than swap meets)for these kits?

Thanks, Bill

dynasour,
My 50 5 winder was also a 3 speed years ago but the PO changed it to 4 on the floor. Best thing that ever happened. Wife says it a lot more manly like. Hopefully someone with tons of resources will be able to help you out. Never done it, don't you only need:

1. 4 speed tranny with shifter (same length as a 3 speedo ?)
2. Fancy shift knob (maybe a deactivated hand grenade).
3. Floor tranny plate.

What else is there ? What is great is being able to eliminate all that column linkage.

Cheers

Try ( jcwhitney.com ) item #81ZH1086P $55.00 Daytona floor shifter. joe

Joe, thanks for the link.
Bill, I want to go the same route.
You can also check out hurst . They have a 3 speed, floor shift for 55 AND UP 3100. I doubt thet either of these choices will be a direct bolt-on, as pre-55's are slightly different.

Hey! Here is a great idea! Why dont you go ahead with the conversion and do a thorough pictorial? Yeah, that'd be swell!

Whizzerick

Welcome, new folks. Try to do a search here by topic because this question comes up, and I remember some of our folks giving opinions on some conversion kits being significantly better than others. Best o' luck.

Ed b.

You may need to fab a plate above the transmission for the shifter to come through. The column shifters have a blank plate there.

HERE'S A TIP: Some folks are looking for uncut/unmodified original plates. Be sure to put it up on the swap meet if you go that route, and plan to have a new plate made up.

-Boyo

looking for similar info
what do i need to put a 4 on the floor
i have a 51 1/2 ton
got a 55 235 in it?
please help!

You need to find an SM420 transmission, which was the optional 4 speed for this truck. They are fairly common, and available for both closed and open driveline. They have a 6:1 1st gear ratio and weigh about 120 lbs. They bolt up to the stock bellhousing and driveline. The way to find one is to look for a 4 speed that has reverse to the left and back- that is, toward your knee and back. Avoid the ones with a lockout lever from '48 and earlier because they aren't synchronised.

So far the Whitney Daytona floor shift kit seems my best chance. Can anyone tell me how the pre 1955 and the later transmissions shift inputs differ, so I can see if this is a possibility for me?

Thanks,

howziit Bill!

thirty-eight years ago, i had a '51 chevy sedan, with original driveline and ANSEN posi-shift. it was "okayyyy". it mounted on the trans, with existing bosses, i think.

it's been SO LONG AGO! :rolleyes:

the HURST MYSTERY-SHIFTER was their cheaper model, sold for $20-something. back then. the HURST SYNCHRO-LOK was their premier 3-speed shifter, sold for $30-something, i think.(this one had quality shifting, like their current 4-speed shifters.

JMO, i would check on www.ebaymotors.com
or place/check out classified ads on chevy websites.

good luck, Bill

Fix your linkage and quit "Hacking"! Nothing worse than a floor shifter that don't work right and you have to bend over to reach or make a longer lever and have way long throws with it. You can rebuild the shift box on column under firewall and put new bushings in the link holes, using new brand bushings. Hurst will have those. It won't shift like a "Racer" either, unless you use a more modern trans, and that would require a new rear-end and driveshaft as you now have Torque-tube one-pc rear.

Can you tell I hate changing from stock? :p :p :p

howziit again guy!

i saw two universal 3-speed shifters yesterday, at checkers auto parts.

one was a HURST, one a MR.GASKET.

apparently, they're still available.

Dino:
Try Hot Rod and Custom Supply their somewhere in FL and advertise in most of the Hot Rod magazines.
They specialize in old hot rod parts for flatheads, inliners etc. I seem to recall they had an inventory on Ansen shifters and such. Perhaps they can help you out. Good Luck.

I just took my aftermarket 3 speed floor shifter out and put in sm420 tranny. Mine is a 55 1st series, I will give it to you. You can pay shipping and anything else you see fit is fine. -Scott

Scott,

Thanks for your kind offer, but I don't believe that a '55 shifter will fit. This is based on a telecon to Hurst to see if their advertised 55 could work with my '50.

Is it possible that your early '55 is the same as the '48 on? Does your tranny use a Hotchkiss enclosed drive like the earlier ones?

Thanks again,

Bill

Scott,

Started doing my homework, and found that the First Series '55 has a closed drive shaft like my '50. I'd like to take advantage of your offer to send me the 3-speed floor shift conversion.

Do you know the manufacturer? Will $25 be fair?

My home address is: William Stewart
839 Tamlei Ave
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
Phone 805-494-0519

Sorry, I dont have email at home. My 55.1 has an open drive shaft 1 piece. That was the first year for that. I dont know if it will fit yours. Get back to me.