The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks Three on the Tree Stiff

I have a 1965 Chevy SB with a 3 speed on the column. When it is cold it is near impossible to shift the truck until it warms up because it is so tight. Summer all is well and even sloppy/loose. I don't think the problem is in the trans. I have been thinking of putting a floor shift in to correct this problem, but prefer to keep all stock. Anyone experience this problem?

45 years old dirt and grime in the linkage and moving parts. A good cleaning and maybe some new bushings in the shifter linkage should fix it.

need to clean out and regrease the shift box on the column

Bill

My 61 had the same problem. I almost changed the column out because of it. I spayed WD40 on all the linkage in the engine bay and underneath. Still didn't work. I ended up changing my steering wheel one day, so I took the top of the column apart a little more and sprayed all the components that move when shifting. Works better than new now. Shifts really smooth. Glad I didn't put that floor shifter in.

I had similar problems with my 65 C-10...ended up taking the whole steeting column out, cleaning, realigning and reinstalling. It works like new now after adjustments to the collar sleeve where the shift pins align on the column.

Hi Weknfun, all the posts you received are correct! I had the same problem with my 65 and found 45 years of dirt and grime was the culprit like FriedGreenTmater said. Hopefully a good cleaning and possibly some new bushings should shift you in the right direction!

I agree with everyone, my 1966 had been set up for years and would not shift. I sprayed WD 40 in the column and she broke free and works great again. Just my opinion but the column shift is what gives these trucks character. Hope you are able to solve your problem Weknfun.