I've been searching around for a little bit on the main board and on google but I can't seem to find anyone that's done it. I saw some people try to warn against it with some of the 60's and early 70's cars but didn't see anything with regards to 50's stuff. So, my question: Has anyone tried or does anyone know of someone who has successfully pulled off making a T-5 shift from the column? I am going to do a T-5 and 8" rear in my car (unless someone has a better trans option) and I would really like to keep the column shift. I'm guessing it would be damn near impossible with the fact that it's a top loader. I was thinking if the top of the shifter was machined down and a fitting was installed on the top, there might be enough room to get the linkage between the body and the top of the trans? The only other problem would be the throw and the amount of force needed to shift it. Am I just dreaming on this one? Oh...I have a 53 Customline Club Coupe with a 215 inline.
Might be a first. I think with just about anything it probably can be done with enough trial and error. The question is if it will be worth the time and headaches involved.
Anything is possible, but why spend the time and effort. You'd need a third detent and shift linkage in your column, which would require rerwork of the column, then a complete fabrication of linkage to your trans, which would have to be on top of the trans, which requires rework of the trans hump in the floor, etc, etc, etc. Suggestion, put an AOD in it, you could then use an auto column and have OD as well.
I definitely want to keep the stick. I figured there would be too much involved to make it still look like stock. It was just something I was kicking around in my head. I won't be embarking on the trans project until the winter though. Too many other cars to finish right now.
I've seen a guy put a 4 speed in a '54 and use the stock column shifter. Using reverse, first, second and third for the forward gears, then using an overdrive cable to put it in reverse. He says it works really good. Using a 5 speed would be more of a challenge.
I have a 50 Ford the I thought about leaving the 3 on the tree shifter and build a strong SBF engine and using a 4 speed trans . The trick I thought about using was the column shifter to fool people into thinking I had the 3 speed trans . It would work just fine and then I was going to have the reverse shifter on a separate rod to come out the floor at the bench seat that you wouldn't see . As for a 5 speed , you can't make 5 out of 4 no matter how hard you try you will always come up one short ! Jim
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