The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 3 speed on the column

Has anyone ever converted there 3 speed on the column down to the floor on a 51 gmc. I see a universal 3 speed floor shifter at Classic Parts but it says for 55-86. Not sure if it will work on the 51.

Up to ,and including 54 would be the enclosed driveshaft. 55-86 will be the open driveline and a whole different transmish. So,,,
the floor shifter theyre offering wont work on your '51.

southerncharm,

I'm certainly not an expert on a '51 GMC but I have installed many conversion kits. The shift mechanism would be the same regardless of year, as long as it's a 3 speed. If the shift arms on the sidecover are the same then the only difference would be how the shifter attaches to the transmission.

While it 'might' not be a bolt on deal, it certainly could nearly be. If you are handy in the shop, you could make it work without much effort. Again, the shift mechanism is standard, the shift rods are adjustable and the shift arms probably fit, SO, the only 'maybe' would be how it attaches to the transmission.

If this is your only option, it might be worth a try. If you can find one listed for your exact rig (good luck) that would be the best try! These conversion kits are very very simple.

Stuart

The biggest problem I've seen with the conversions is that the column shift trannys are side-loaders, while the original floor shift trannys are toploaders. Most of the kits I've seen leave you cutting an off-center hole in the floor.
I modified the old Hurst shift kit someone had put in my Frankenbolt by putting a couple of 90 degree bends in the hurst stick to get it over the centerline of the tranny, and then welded on an old Ford stick. It looks right with the boot in place, but the mechanics of shifting feel a little "unusual".
Bluedawg

Is this something that might work ?

three speed floor shifter