3 Speed Manual - Column Shift

[MauiSmit]

Good day,

I've searched the forum, and my sincere apologies if this has been discussed, but I need help please.

I have a 69 C10 - ( I live in Namibia,Africa, so our models are right hand drive )

I would like to purchase a new steering column, that is manual column shift.
I've had a look on LMC Truck,Summit and many other places but no luck. ( unless I'm being an idiot )

Can someone please direct me to an online store that will ship to Africa, that has manual column shift - steering columns.

Thanks in advance!

Regards,
Mauricio

[scooterpimp]

Dont think you will find a manual shift column new , Ebay , & other used sources , dont think you will have much luck finding a right hand column here in the U.S. were lefties

[MauiSmit]

Originally Posted by scooterpimp

Dont think you will find a manual shift column new , Ebay , & other used sources , dont think you will have much luck finding a right hand column here in the U.S. were lefties

Thanks for your reply. Even if I can get a left hand drive one, I'll modify it with my old parts I have.

As long as it's manual shift

[geezer#99]

Does your truck have a 3 speed column now?
Are you converting to one?
The columns are all the same whether it's rhd or lhd. Just different linkage set up.

[MauiSmit]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

Does your truck have a 3 speed column now?
Are you converting to one?
The columns are all the same whether it's rhd or lhd. Just different linkage set up.

Yes, currently has the factory 3 speed manual column shift.

So if the left and right hand ones are the same ( technically ) where can I get a left hand manual shift steering column?

[geezer#99]

If you have one, why do you need another one?
They are repairable!
Or a better question is---What's wrong with yours?

[MauiSmit]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

If you have one, why do you need another one?
They are repairable!
Or a better question is---What's wrong with yours?

Ok... I actually have 2 trucks. A 69 and a 72. Both manual 3 speed column shifters.

The main tube is full of dents, the turn signals are broken off, hazards gone, mechanism for both shot, stuff worn out ... and the list goes on.

Repairing also isn't an option where we live, we don't have the specialized shops/services you guys have.

So restoring the 69 now, and using it as a daily, I want something that is going to last at least for the next 5 years.

So best option, for me at least - would be to buy a new steering column.

[geezer#99]

Have you looked on the parts board?
Anything you replace yours with will likely be not perfect too!
Have you considered a floor shifter?

[MauiSmit]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

Have you looked on the parts board?
Anything you replace yours with will likely be not perfect too!
Have you considered a floor shifter?

I have to admit, did not check the parts board, will go there now.

I've thought about floor shifter, but wanted to keep her semi stock in that regards. Column shifters is something you don't see everyday ( where we live ) so wanted to keep that old school.

[MauiSmit]

Anyone ?

I cannot believe there are no shops in the US that sells 3 speed manual column shift steering columns? The motherland of the Chevy?

[scooterpimp]

Your right hand drive column has shifter on the left side correct? Our us columns have shifter on right side , with the mounting brackets i dont believe it would work? Aussie , chevy/holmans? May be a good donor?they havent used manual column shift vehicles since the early 1980's (if memory serves correctly) been a long time since i visited down under seeing thier right hand drives.

[MauiSmit]

Originally Posted by scooterpimp

Your right hand drive column has shifter on the left side correct? Our us columns have shifter on right side , with the mounting brackets i dont believe it would work? Aussie , chevy/holmans? May be a good donor?they havent used manual column shift vehicles since the early 1980's (if memory serves correctly) been a long time since i visited down under seeing thier right hand drives.

Aha - thank you! I'll start looking "down under"

[Jason Banks]

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=710736

[Russ.W.]

Hey Mauricio, welcome to the forum.


Firstly, you might find one locally in SA. Do yourself a favour and join this forum: African Muscle Cars.

There's a good chance you'll find one, or at least something comparable, in South Africa.

I actually have a RHD 67 that was originally a 3 speed column shift. Whilst I don't want to part with it, I'll be more than happy to help you find info on local cars here in Australia. Holden's did use column shift manuals through those years - I use to own one - so they may be an option. However, most cars/options that were available here, were also available in some form or fashion, in South Africa.

[MauiSmit]

Thank you for the reply. After my struggle the last two weeks, I've decided to convert my 3 speed manual column shifts.

So I'm going for the TH400 tranny, and will then get a steering column to go with that.

Because I have 2 x C10's with the column shifts, I just don't want to sit with these headaches going forward, even though I really like it.

I want something that parts is available - so the right choice is to convert to auto.

Thanks anyway for all the help, really appreciate it.

Regards,
M

[mike16]

if its already a manual tranny set up, better to go with a 4 speed or a 4500 5 speed. No problem finding a column for a 4 speed set up

[MauiSmit]

I'm not going to struggle with this... just bought a Turbo 400 and going auto.