Manual column shift linkage control rods - help needed!

[Russ.W.]

G'day all ... sorry for one of my first posts to be a request, but I do need some help.

I'm wondering if someone could help me out by measuring the length of the manual column shift linkage control rods used on the manual 3-speed all-synchro gearbox? (7 bolt not 4 bolt). Any comprehensive pictures would also be appreciated.



I just bought myself a factory right-hand drive 1967 Chevy C10 Pickup from a fellow forum member. It'll be a few months before I get to see it as I have to have it imported to Australia from the US.

Though it's now a floor shift, it was originally fitted with a 3 speed manual column shift and I'd like to revert it back so I can install a factory bench seat.

The US 3 speed box in it was built for left-hand drive, so the shifter lever plate was on the left hand side of the gearbox. This meant a special ordered RHD truck such as this would have had a unique cross-over linkage system for the column shift - due to the rarity there's no way in hell I'll ever find another one.

My plan is, once the truck is here, to replace the gearbox with the all-synchro GMH 3 speed out of an Australia Holden, which has the lever plate on the right hand side. What I need to know is whether the rods will be the right length, or if I'll need to get them custom made. I've asked on a Australian Holden forum for pictures & the length of their RHD control rods so compare the US & Australian versions in the hope the Australian rods are identical. This will allow me to source them locally as they are reasonably common down here.

I appreciate any & all help.

Regards,
Russ

[geezer#99]

Awesome question!!
Is the shifter on the column on the right side like it is on a LHD?
I wouldn't think they'd change the column mechanics just to convert to RHD.
I looked at a RHD 3ott in an old 64 Rambler when I was in NZ and the shifter was on the right side of the wheel. First set of arms were short, straight and down to a bellcrank.
A box that has the levers on the right might not help you if the linkage on the column is over on the right side too. You'd still need to engineer some custom bellcranks and shifter rods.
Check this link on post #12 for an idea for shifter linkage.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=539222

[Russ.W.]

Thanks for that link. Very interesting idea. Might be better option.

Shifter and levers are both on the left side of the column. Exactly as should be on a RHD vehicle. Perfect for a box with right-side levers. You can see the levers at the top of the column in this pic.

[geezer#99]

Should be a piece of cake to fab up some arms.
Depending on what shifter you have on the floor your bench seat will fit. I had a Mr. Gasket in my 67 GMC. Fit nice. You could install a bench seat shifter from a 55-57 chevy car like this link.
What shifter is in it now?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hurst-Shifte...d4466d&vxp=mtr

[Russ.W.]

Shifter is some kind of Hurst shifter I believe.



Don't mind the seats. They are the first thing going once the truck arrives!

I actually prefer the column shift for a truck. My last work ute which this C10 is replacing - (a 1974 Holden HQ that died on me earlier this year) - was originally a column shift. I really enjoyed driving it as such. It's only a daily driven work vehicle, not a high-horsepower street racer, so I have no need for quick shifts and shorts throws between gears.

[geezer#99]

Hopefully I haven't screwed up your thread and someone will chime in with some shifter arm lengths for you.
Where in OZ are you?
Must be late sunday or early monday morning for you.

[Russ.W.]

I'm on the NSW Central Coast. About an hour and a bit north of Sydney.

It was midnight when I posted my last reply. Couldn't sleep because of a toothache and had just returned from a trip to get some painkillers. It's now 6:30am as I write this, as I'm soon heading to work.

[oldblue1968chevy]

wow thats cool I saved the pix cause its so different lol