350 with a 3 on the tree

[joecaruso]

Originally Posted by special-K

Does the truck have a low or hi hump? I have had two, but one was 42 years ago and the other was about 25 years. As I recall they had low humps.

I also had a '69 CST Custom Camper K/10 350/3sp. The '71 SWB Custom Deluxe K/10 I had was a 307/3spd/NP 205

Yes my truck does have a low hump.

[too much stuff]

Originally Posted by special-K

Does the truck have a low or hi hump? I have had two, but one was 42 years ago and the other was about 25 years. As I recall they had low humps.

I also had a '69 CST Custom Camper K/10 350/3sp. The '71 SWB Custom Deluxe K/10 I had was a 307/3spd/NP 205

The one i had was also a low hump.

[Ed F]

Mine is a 350/4bbl with a 3 speed. By the way, for some reason I hate the term 3 on the tree. When I got serious about finding a truck I was considering automatics and 4 speeds only. When I ran acrossed this truck I almost passed because of the 3 speed. After thinking about it for a while, I realized there is a generation or two out there that have no idea what a 3 speed is or how to drive it. Combine that with fact that my original 1970 C20 bought new was a three speed and I was sold. I have had two "mechanics" work on it that didn't know where the gear positions are. So in my opinion the 3 speed is at least rare today even if it wasn't rare 45 years ago. I have thought about converting it to an automatic, and can't say that I never will, but for now Iam enjoying the 3 speed.

[tommys72]

It's funny that the 3 speed is almost so uncommon now it's a theft deterrent. A lot of folks now can't drive a manual anyway let alone a column shifted one. Probably the only reason I don't actively look for a truck with it is when they are sloppy they're no fun to drive. Almost miserable actually

[GRX]

Originally Posted by tommys72

It's funny that the 3 speed is almost so uncommon now it's a theft deterrent. A lot of folks now can't drive a manual anyway let alone a column shifted one. Probably the only reason I don't actively look for a truck with it is when they are sloppy they're no fun to drive. Almost miserable actually

So true. Mention column shift manual to most anyone under 40 and they are perplexed. Even tight & good working order they are a drag in my opinion. Nostalgia only goes so far.

Have owned several vehicles with 3-tree, both Ford and GM (yeah, ford ) and never liked them, especially in heavy traffic. Converted to floor shift in my 69 long stepper and have not regretted it. Do not miss moving that 4 foot long 10 pound reverse/first shaft around.

[tommys72]

My brother bought the truck today. Pretty darn original and good looking truck

[tommys72]

He has both pieces of trim for the passenger side, and the drivers door panel. Only missing a pedal pad and the ac compressor. Other than that the farmer switched the chrome rear bumper out and the caps aren't right clearly... but overall, a nice truck. I'll call it a survivor, no repaints, and original dash pad and oem steering wheel! He'll get more pics up when he joins the board

[7tee]

Great find...some people just have all the luck...ed...

[72supr]

Looks like you found a nice original survivor there. Has some options on it too.I would say that is pretty rare. Good luck for your brother.I like that color.

[tommys72]

Thanks guys! What makes it rare?

[special-K]

That's a great find. I never minded shifting the column, and it is super nostalgic for me...especially behind a 6. But, I never liked the gearing, especially in a trucks and super especially in a 4wd. I started with 4spds and stayed with those. The gearing is just plain inadequate IMO, too much spread between gears like it's missing one. And in my opinion it is. 1st and reverse are super tall. You get a chatter if you let off moving too slow, like slipping the clutch is a must. Then there's making a turn, shifted down into 2nd and that's too tall for your speed. So, time t slip the clutch again. The best part is winding those suckers out in 2nd! A truck or car 4spd is super easy to drop in.

EDIT: I'm not hating on 3spds. In fact, I like them now, but I never did when they were common because I was big on 4spds

[tmontg01]

Nice my 68 SWB has a 350/3 on the tree

[72supr]

The fact that it looks as good as it does makes it rare. You just would not find one that nice here.Farmers and ranchers bought them to use them and most were used hard.

[tommys72]

Story is this one was used to haul hay and feed and make trips to town. Don't guess it had a hard life really

[mike16]

mine is a 72 three on the column.I love it. 307 and a 373 rear, it burns gas and is kinda slow but I would not trade it for an auto or a 4 speed. It had 71 k on it when I got it. If you dont like a 3 speed then get an auto or a 4 speed . dont butcher it up just because. they are rare enough now.