Author Topic: Moving a 3-speed column shift to the floor  (Read 15659 times)

Offline got2haul

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Moving a 3-speed column shift to the floor
« on: November 22, 2008, 10:13:45 pm »
(I tried to search on this topic but kept getting an error)

I'm considering buying a 1975 short bed with a 3-speed column shift.  I'd like to know what's involved in moving the shifter from the column to the floor.  If this has been addressed in an earlier thread, please point me to the thread, and thanks.
1980 Custom Deluxe Stepside
        Stepside thread: http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=7505.0
1980 Silverado Short Bed Fleetside
1976 GMC Sierra Grande C15

Offline Blazin

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Re: Moving a 3-speed column shift to the floor
« Reply #1 on: November 23, 2008, 02:08:04 am »
Most auto parts stores either have or can get a universal floor shifter for our trucks do switch it. Problem is they are not much better than the worn out column shifter brand new. I would replace the bushings etc. in the column shifter before changing it.
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Offline zieg85

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Re: Moving a 3-speed column shift to the floor
« Reply #2 on: November 23, 2008, 08:08:38 am »
Yes and thousand times yes.  All the aftermarket shifters I have tried over the years are junk...
Carl 
1985 C20 Scottsdale 7.4L 4 speed 3.21
1986 C10 under construction
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Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Moving a 3-speed column shift to the floor
« Reply #3 on: November 23, 2008, 08:16:29 am »
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Offline got2haul

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Re: Moving a 3-speed column shift to the floor
« Reply #4 on: November 23, 2008, 11:24:27 am »
So, based on the replies so far, it's as simple as:

1.  Cut a hole in the floor in the appropriate position over the trans.
2.  Disconnect the column shift linkage.
3.  Choose Hurst and install the new floor shifter.

Is that it?
1980 Custom Deluxe Stepside
        Stepside thread: http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=7505.0
1980 Silverado Short Bed Fleetside
1976 GMC Sierra Grande C15

Offline 78BBSTEPSIDE

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Re: Moving a 3-speed column shift to the floor
« Reply #5 on: November 23, 2008, 11:31:02 am »
I would replace the three speed column with a column from a four speed for appearance purposes

Offline Dragon

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Re: Moving a 3-speed column shift to the floor
« Reply #6 on: November 23, 2008, 12:00:27 pm »
I've used Hurst shifters and never had a problem.

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=HUU%2D5010016&N=700+115&autoview=sku


+1 I have used and sold enough of the "Universal" manual/automatic floor shifters(Mr Gasket/Spectre/B&M/Mooneyes/Etc,  to say that they are junk compared to the Direct-fit Hurst/B&M/TCI/etc shifters... You definately get what you paid for, but at the same time they can be improve apon, if you know what to do( a few come with plastic or "pop metal"bushings/etc, and they should be replaced with brass pieces... They are other ways to improve as well.)...
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Offline SUX2BU99

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Re: Moving a 3-speed column shift to the floor
« Reply #7 on: November 25, 2008, 01:50:44 pm »
Very interesting. I was planning to buy a Megashifter in just a week or two. No good?
85 Chevy Silverado C10 short, wide, yellow, 2wd. Lowered, 60-over 350 with Dart Iron Eagle heads and Comp Cams XE268 cam, TH350 w/ shift kit, 3.40 Gov-lok 12 bolt.

Offline zieg85

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Re: Moving a 3-speed column shift to the floor
« Reply #8 on: November 25, 2008, 02:06:44 pm »
I've used Hurst shifters and never had a problem.
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=HUU%2D5010016&N=700+115&autoview=sku

Guess I never used a good aftermarket one.  I always found rebuilding the column a better way to go but that is just me...
« Last Edit: November 25, 2008, 03:09:42 pm by Captkaos »
Carl 
1985 C20 Scottsdale 7.4L 4 speed 3.21
1986 C10 under construction
https://www.facebook.com/groups/248658382003506/

Offline Captkaos

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Re: Moving a 3-speed column shift to the floor
« Reply #9 on: November 25, 2008, 03:08:46 pm »
I think they are speaking about manual specifically.  I have to agree.  Univeral is bad, specific application is good.  I have used Hurst in the past.

BTW, good luck finding a 4 speed column (at least around here)

Offline zieg85

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Re: Moving a 3-speed column shift to the floor
« Reply #10 on: November 25, 2008, 06:13:26 pm »
I think they are speaking about manual specifically.  I have to agree.  Univeral is bad, specific application is good.  I have used Hurst in the past.

BTW, good luck finding a 4 speed column (at least around here)

I know of several 4 speed, what I couldn't find was a 3 speed manual for my 86.  They just don't exist.  Mine was trashed, just not worn out.
Carl 
1985 C20 Scottsdale 7.4L 4 speed 3.21
1986 C10 under construction
https://www.facebook.com/groups/248658382003506/