Saginaw 4 speed overdrive on the column

[ghalperin]

After searching the net, I'm thinking the simplest way to shift reverse would be a PTO cable. I'll have the overdrive cable and T-handle under the dash to the right of the steering column and in order to avoid any confusion, I won't want the reverse cable and handle anywhere near it.

I found this PTO cable on eBay for cheap:


I may try to find something that looks more original, maybe with a chrome handle

[68 TT]

Putting the reverse cable into the factory choke cable location on the dash could be a possibility that would keep it from being confused with the OD.

My 66 El Camino had the three on the tree with the cable actuated overdrive. I liked that feature. You could even use it in any gear not just third.

[Steeveedee]

Now, a cable-controlled reverse gear would be pretty trick as a theft deterrent. Pull out the PTO or manual choke or throttle knob, whichever you use, when you park. Then, someone fishes for a forward gear to get it to move, (and it won't) and if they think to leave the truck in neutral, it'll only go backwards. Of course, if the linkage only comes from the column, that wouldn't work.

[ghalperin]

Originally Posted by 68 TT

Putting the reverse cable into the factory choke cable location on the dash could be a possibility that would keep it from being confused with the OD.

I do like the idea of using the choke location. I wonder if I could use the choke knob?

[midniteblues]

If you ask me using a small cable like a throttle or choke cable will work, If it doesn't bend trying too move the lever in its extended postion.
I wanted a bigger cable for durability and better ease of movement.

The pto cable I used was new,lubed well and not long at all and I still need a good amount of tug too move the trans lever pulling on the knob to engage reverse.

The detent ball in the trans for the reverse lever does have a good amount of tension on it. You don't feel it much with the tree shifter or floor shift or even just moving it by hand but you will with a cable.

I was gonna build a pivoting style linkage for more leverage on the push and pull I just felt it wasn't very nessacary.

Pulling on a "small" knob too engage reverse just wouldn't work for me too well but you might not have a problem with it.

I didn't want anything too look out of place in my truck hence the reason I put my big knob below the seat....thinking about it a t handle would work better for me for grip as my hands are trashed.


The motion of takeing your hand off the shifter and reaching down or anywhere else too engage reverse takes some getting used to.