Transmission linkage HELP!!!

[Dans1960SWB]

Ok I bought this 1960 minus engine and trans. I put in a 350/350. It came with a Auto colum out of a little newer truck. Id like to hook up the colum shift since I have it. I got a pile of parts from a friend in the trans business for many years. I have a arm that mounts to the trans. The problem is the trans is back just far enough that the arm from the colum would need a big bend in it to reach the transmission. It would also be about 20 inches long. I guess a picture of someone elses would be a big help.

[Dans1960SWB]

here is a picture of the colum..

[Dans1960SWB]

Ok here is the colum

[65chevysub]

I went from a Powerglide to a TH350 and had my rod modified. I will try to get pics of mine tomorrow for you.

[DPowers]

I used a Lokar assembly.

[64shortbox]

I used a set up I bought off eBay - it was under $40.00 the supplied threaded rod wasn't long enough so I bought some all thread rod from the local hardware store to use and by luck we had some scrap 5/16" stainless tubing that I slid over the all thread to dress it up a little I didn't have to make any bends in the linkage arm to make it work the hiem ends had enough pivot I was able to use a straight rod. This was in a 64 C-10 with a 350/350 Combo. I have a tilt Column from a 72 Chevy Van. Hears a link if it helps:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Adjustable-S...JWJz8~&vxp=mtr

[65chevysub]

Sorry Dans1960SWB. I have been trying to upload a pic of my linkage since my first post but my phone locks up and it wont post the pic. I'll keep trying to get one for you. Maybe someone else will have a better pic than what I have.

[64shortbox]

Finally located some old pics I took of my linkage as installed in my 64. I since replaced the leaking shift shaft seal - now no more leaks and of course a shameful pic of my truck just to fill up that last spot.

[67swb72klb]

I would keep an eye on those type of joints they dont last too long on a Harley anyway..I swaped them out for real heim joints like these when the OE part failed. Shifted much better too

http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/fhgAAO...5th/s-l400.jpg

[Dans1960SWB]

I was already thinking of just buying Heim Joints from my local speed shop. Ok that picture helps but my transmission is back another 6 inches. I also still have the cross member that held the old three speed trans that is in the way...maybe I should just cut that cross member out.

[65chevysub]

Here ya go. Its not real clear but you can see where my shift rods were welded together at an sgle to reach the trans. It's 2 original rods and this setup was done in 1999 and no problems. I like the other setups shown here as well.

[64shortbox]

Dans1960SWB,
My truck was also originally a 3 on the tree. The previous owner torched out the factory cross member. While I had the motor & trans out I drilled out the rivets and cleaned it up a bit.
Your trans sits back another 6" from mine? Holey Carp! I've got a 350 with a factory HEI and there's barely enough room between the distributor cap and the firewall for a flea to change his mind. BUT I bought my truck with the 350/350 combo already in it and I have no idea what the previous owner did to set it all in place. I do know he did a LOT of Micky Mouse stuff & I've been spending a LOT of time straightening stuff up. You can't believe the mess he had to get the shift linkage to work - which is why I did what I did.

67swb72klb,
Thanks for the info on the hiem joints - I'll get some good ones now the next time I place an order with McMaster-Carr - I've got a list I've started for them that keeps getting longer.

More shameless photos - and the 64 Didn't like towing our 28' travel trailer. It struggled on the freeway. Found out the trailer weighs 8,6000 LBS loaded but with no water - fresh, grey or black.

[Dans1960SWB]

After spending more time looking over the situation.... My motor and trans. isn't back further than any other one. The problem is that cross member is smack in the way of the linkage. I had gotten a bell crank set-up like I have on a Turbo-400 in another truck. That works well in the other truck but trying to get that in this truck is alot different with the X frame. Im going to check at my local speed shop and see what they have for parts.

The trans. came with a Hurst shifter. It is a floor mount style with a cable. I have 99% of the parts for that except the part the cable hooks to on the inside of the shifter. Id rather just use the column shifter. Much easier...I THINK!!