floor shifter suggestions?

[steve53]

anybody know of a good floor shifter to use with an orig '53 3 speed manual? they got one at o'reillys that will work '55 and up but im not sure what the difference is between the '53 and '55 trans.

[raycow]

Originally Posted by steve53

im not sure what the difference is between the '53 and '55 trans.

The torque tube transmissions don't have the same shifter mounting points as the 55 up boxes. The mounting bracket for a 55-up shifter mounts on the bolts that hold the tail housing to the main case. With a torque tube, the bracket has to mount on the bolts that attach the side cover and the ball retainer.

Ray

[steve53]

aah well that is completely different. i oughta be able to whip something up though! thanks for the info!

[raycow]

This ad may be of some help because it shows how the shifter needs to mount on the transmission.
http://www.nationalchevyassoc.com/do...ion.pdf#page=6

The 49-54 passenger car also has a torque tube and its transmission is similar to the one in the truck, but not identical. I would not recommend ordering this particular shifter because of the differences between the car and truck transmissions. However, the pic might give you an idea of where to begin in case you want to look for a mounting bracket or fab one yourself.

Ray

[steve53]

i ended up getting a the generic 3 speed made by mr. gasket from oreillys. it was 120 bucks cheaper than the hurst indy shifter with the proper mounting bracket.

it is pretty clear the differences between the '53 and '55 tranny you were talkin about raycow after seeing what bracket pieces came with the shifter.

after some hammering and welding on the bracket itself, it fit right up! the rod for the shift knob could be just a smidge higher but it works and saved me 120 bills! ill try to get a pic posted up later tonight.

[raycow]

Originally Posted by steve53

after some hammering and welding on the bracket itself, it fit right up! the rod for the shift knob could be just a smidge higher but it works and saved me 120 bills! ill try to get a pic posted up later tonight.

Yes, please do show the mods you did on the bracket. I get very interested where there is 120 bux to be saved!

Ray