OK, so I've given up trying to modify and fit the original column with 3 on the tree after installing a power steering gear box. There just isn't enough space now to fit that original column with the shifters. I need help figuring out what to get for a floor shifter. It's the standard 3 speed tranny with no overdrive. I found a couple shifters, but they just look like a lever with no mounting hardware and I cannot figure out what will work. I tried to pull up the carpet, but that's going to be a nightmare because somebody glued they whole thing down and it's not coming up easily. I did read that there should be a removable panel there already which would be nice, but if not I can cut a hole easily enough. I also need to figure out what I can get for a tilt wheel column if anybody wants to suggest one of those as well. Flaming river seems to be popular, but I haven't looked at it much yet. So please any help would be greatly appreciated.
Can't help you with the carpet, but this is the "type" of shifter most usually used on these old Ford, Chevy & other transmissions that had no mounting bosses for a floor shifter.... I run one like it on a '57 chevy three speed in my T roadster.
OOPS - like this... http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_x_6900016-P_x_x?cm_mmc=ACQ-_-Google-_-enhancedRM-_-6900016&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=6900016&ci_gpa=pla&ci_kw={keyword}&gclid=CPmE1dCUsrMCFWlxQgodpnIAsA#utm_source=acq&utm_medium=google&utm_campaign=enhancedrm&utm_content=6900016
There are better quality ones still made also... I think... Or look for an old Hurst "Mystery Shifter"...
Any pics of the tranny? can you bolt a bracket on the tail shaft bolts? I think most will agree that whatever shifter you use will work better if bolted to the tranny instead of the floorboard..
as I stated earlier - Look - http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/FH_images/FH_trans-pics/Flathead_Trans_49-50merc-3speed.jpg
Thanks for the replies. kennkat, the picture is exactly what I have and I found a couple shifters like you linked. Hurst, Mr Gasket and Spectre all make one. My problem is that I don't see how I can mount it. Did you bolt the shifter to the floor pan? Seems like there should be a kit out there somewhere that mounts directly on the transmission, but for the life of me I can't seem to find one. I have seen pictures of conversions mounted to some kind of bracket that I thought was actually directly connected to the transmission. Now that I'm actually trying to buy one though I can't seem to find anything. Willys1, the link kennkat linked shows what I have. I don't know where the tail shaft bolts will be for mounting a bracket to, but that's a good idea. I guess if I have to fabricate something that would be a starting point. I was really hoping there was something out there designed specifically for this conversion. There seems to be a large number of these transmissions out there.
There is a large flat bracket that bolts to the bolts where the tail housing and case meet. It is long and extends to the rear tail housing area and the shifter attaches there. with 2 or 3 added braces to help support it... I have installed MANY of these... I "pull" on one EVERYDAY myself.. I'll see about crawling under with a lite and get you a pic...
Here look at this -http://prestoliteweb.com/Portals/0/downloads/mrgasket/pdf/Mr_Gasket_instructions_floor_shifter_conversion_3-speed_7666_7667.pdf
If that wont work -- http://prestoliteweb.com/Portals/0/...loor_shifter_conversion_3-speed_7666_7667.pdf
That's great kennkat! That's what I was looking for, so all mounting hardware does come with the shifter. When I looked at them online all I saw was the stick, boot and levers at the bottom. Looks like there is lots more stuff in there for mounting. Now I just have to hope it will fit with my bench seat.
You are welcome... Ya see that's what ya get from building these cars with these parts for over 35 years.... All kinds of oddball information in your head... HAVE FUN
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