Hello. I am looking for advise on what I need to do in order to use a 700r4 in a 56 Chevy 3100. I swapped out the three on the tree and want to know if I just need to cut the existing floor panel to fit the shifter requirements for the automatic transmission. The truck has a cut out panel cover over where, I guess, they left room for floor shifters. Do I just cut a slot in the existing cover plate? What length of travel is needed? Thanks
There are many different scenarios depending on what type and where you want the shifter postioned. Mainly be concerned with the route the cable needs for smooth operation.
lokar do adjustable shifters and linkages for 700r4.worked for me in 38 chevy pu.bracket mounts to trans.shifter can mount to bracket in different positions forward/back.id leave the floor panel out until u find the best position
Sounds to me like you don't really have any idea of what kind of shifter you will use? That's the first thing you need to figure out. I'd go to some trouble, locate a 1953-54 car Powerglide column shifter, and see about making it work with the new transmission. It would take a lot of effort, and would look "right" when it's done. I did something similar to a 57 3100 Suburban I had, although it was connected to a TH400 transmission. The transmission connection on both automatics is the same, however. And I added the cross shaft, as Chevy did when they had column shifters with the later automatics.
Thanks for the info. I am going with Gennie shifter and according to them, mid mount the shifter. This should bring the shifter right up through the existing hole in the floor. Just wanted to know if they sell a specific panel for what I am doing. Thanks
https://www.cl***icindustries.com/shop/1956/chevrolet/truck/parts/body-panels/floor-pans/ This is what I am thinking of using. Has anyone used one for a 700r4?
Your link didn't bring up a specific panel, so unsure which one you're planning to use? But I personally would not buy a panel with any hole at all, and then make a hole where I need it for the shifter I chose. Buying a panel with an existing hole and hoping the shifter will fit might end up repairing the existing hole if it doesn't. Might as well get one without a hole, get the shifter, and then make it all work. Anytime I'm doing sheet metal repairs I try to not make any holes during repairs unless I'm 100% positive where they need to be. Easier to get them perfect by starting with no holes at all.
The floor panel on column shift trucks is flat, while the panel for floor shift trucks has a lump. If I were you, I'd keep the original flat floor panel, and build a small tower from sheet metal, to cover the shifter mechanism, if necessary. but it's up to you.
Hello, WOW, the industry has come a long way in technology, including design. When we first made our column shifters into a floor shift applications in our 1960 high school metal/auto shop, it was cut/weld, then bolt on for measurements and then make more adjustments. Then before the final bolt on, there were more shift lever bending and shortening. When the seats were put back in place, more adjustments were necessary for clearances. Finally, it was the final detailing, sanding and polishing of the lever. But, the shift mechanism got the same sanding treatment, then a nice gloss black paint. Now, almost everything is done and it should fit nicely for any application. You will have to see how much clearance mounting the shifter will need for your own application. Each build has its own requirements. The Hydramatic shifter pattern we made would have worked on other Hydramatic applications after all adjustments are made. Each car has its own requirements back then and now. Jnaki Kudos for those that can actually use such a new design with ***urances from the big company that it will fit nicely. The best thing of that new design and construction is the adjustment area to clear the seats for all applications.
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