Shorter column shift lever - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**MikeB** · 01-07-2025, 06:16 PM

My 69 truck has a 15" steering wheel and really needs a 2" shorter shift lever than stock. Auto trans, non-tilt.

Suggestions?

**Classic Bowties** · 01-07-2025, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeB

My 69 truck has a 15" steering wheel and really needs a 2" shorter shift lever than stock. Auto trans, non-tilt.

Suggestions?

Hi Mike, we have the short style shift lever on hand/available in new repro for the tilt steering columns, but to my knowledge the short style lever has not been reproe'd yet for any of the non-tilt columns. The column end of the shift levers are different between the tilt and non-tilts (see below pics) so you may be able to try the shorter earlier style 67/68 shift lever or put in a little work and do something custom on your 69/70 lever. For any other needed column related parts and or request, check out the below linked steering column parts board f/s thread. We have a large group of original steering columns for parts pulled and stored along with several shelved bins of OE used, GM NOS and new repro replacement column parts on hand ready to ship out. Mel

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=838093

.

**dagnabbitt** · 01-07-2025, 06:40 PM

Isn't the shifter for a three-on-the tree two inches shorter?

Rich69shortfleet · 01-08-2025, 10:18 AM

I used a shifter handle out of a 64/65 Chevelle automatic column. I had to thin the pivot hole section just a bit to fit into the truck column other than that it dropped right in. BTW, the metal the OEM handles are made from are ridiculously hard so even taking a few thousandths off of it took a while. Even the knob on the handle matches the turnsignal knob better than the original did. Been working fine now for nearly a decade.

And like the OP, I wanted/needed a shorter handle due to having put in a smaller steering wheel.

**70STOVEBOLT** · 01-08-2025, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich69shortfleet

I used a shifter handle out of a 64/65 Chevelle automatic column. I had to thin the pivot hole section just a bit to fit into the truck column other than that it dropped right in. BTW, the metal the OEM handles are made from are ridiculously hard so even taking a few thousandths off of it took a while. Even the knob on the handle matches the turnsignal knob better than the original did. Been working fine now for nearly a decade.

And like the OP, I wanted/needed a shorter handle due to having put in a smaller steering wheel.

I bought a 60-66 style shift knob to match the turn signal lever as well. I also have a 15" wheel, the longer lever doesn't bother me, but the mismatched knob did, lol.

**70STOVEBOLT** · 01-08-2025, 11:17 AM

I have a '67 column in my '70 and I had to remove a little meat to get it to fit into the column opening as well. I think the difference is in the shape in that area. If you look at the pics Mel posted, it looks like the 67-68 is somewhat rounded and the 69-70 has sharp 90 degree corners in that area.

**MikeB** · 01-08-2025, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich69shortfleet

I used a shifter handle out of a 64/65 Chevelle automatic column. I had to thin the pivot hole section just a bit to fit into the truck column other than that it dropped right in.

Please elaborate on having to "thin the pivot hole section just a bit." Does that mean you had to decrease the diameter (or thickness) of the lever in the area of the hole?

Also, is the 64/65 Malibu column for tilt or non-tilt, if that even makes a difference.

Thanks.

**70STOVEBOLT** · 01-08-2025, 12:06 PM

MikeB see post #6 above.

**MikeB** · 01-08-2025, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Classic Bowties

...you may be able to try the shorter earlier style 67/68 shift lever...

I see where the 67-68 lever has a sharper bend rearwards toward the steering wheel. My 69 lever is 2" from the steering wheel at the knob, but moves back 1" when I pull it back to take it out of Park. So it looks like the 67-68 lever might hit the wheel. Can you lay the 67-68 lever on top of the 69-70, lining up the column ends? That way I can see how much farther back the 67/68 is on the knob end. Whew!

Rich69shortfleet · Yesterday, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeB

Please elaborate on having to "thin the pivot hole section just a bit." Does that mean you had to decrease the diameter (or thickness) of the lever in the area of the hole?

Also, is the 64/65 Malibu column for tilt or non-tilt, if that even makes a difference.

Thanks.

I had to reduce the thickness of the lever.

64/65 Chevelle tilt columns are super rare and very expensive so I'd never part one out. The lever I used came from a standard auto shift column.

**1970cstblazer** · Today, 10:33 AM

For 1970-72 truck tilt columns, the mid '70's - 1982 van tilt column gear shift lever is shorter than the original.

**pjmoreland** · Today, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeB

I see where the 67-68 lever has a sharper bend rearwards toward the steering wheel. My 69 lever is 2" from the steering wheel at the knob, but moves back 1" when I pull it back to take it out of Park. So it looks like the 67-68 lever might hit the wheel. Can you lay the 67-68 lever on top of the 69-70, lining up the column ends? That way I can see how much farther back the 67/68 is on the knob end. Whew!

I have a rusty old 67-68 style shift lever I'd be happy to give you if you want to test it for fitment.

**MikeB** · Today, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjmoreland

I have a rusty old 67-68 style shift lever I'd be happy to give you if you want to test it for fitment.

So it looks like the top one in this photo?

**pjmoreland** · Today, 05:26 PM

I just went and dug it out of my basement, and I was wrong about which style it is. It's a 71-72 with the thicker portion where it fits into the column. Here are some side-by-side photos of it next to an actual 67-68 shift lever. The 67-68 lever doesn't seem to bend any closer to the steering wheel.

**pjmoreland** · Today, 05:27 PM

One more photo

**MikeB** · Today, 05:33 PM

Thanks for the photos!

Looks like the 67-68 lever might work. Is the square column end a little larger than a 69? Same size dowel pin?

**pjmoreland** · Today, 05:41 PM

I don't have a 69-70 lever to measure, but here are some measurements from the 67-68 and 71-72 levers I have:

67-68 Thickness = .385"
71-72 Thickness = .465"
Dowel Pin Hole (both levers) = .224"

You could measure your 69 lever thickness for comparison.

**pjmoreland** · Today, 05:49 PM

I have this other 67-68 lever that has some pitting on the chrome that I'd be happy to send to you if you want to give it a try.

01-07-2025, 06:16 PM	#1
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,608	Shorter column shift lever My 69 truck has a 15" steering wheel and really needs a 2" shorter shift lever than stock. Auto trans, non-tilt. Suggestions? __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 36 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

01-07-2025, 06:40 PM	#3
dagnabbitt Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Edmonton Alberta Posts: 1,458	Re: Shorter column shift lever Isn't the shifter for a three-on-the tree two inches shorter? __________________ DAVE Edmonton, Alberta 1959 Apache 1967 K20 1968 C20 1970 C10 1972 GMC 2500 1981 C10

01-08-2025, 10:18 AM	#4
Rich69shortfleet Registered User Join Date: May 2016 Location: Waverly, NE Posts: 398	Re: Shorter column shift lever I used a shifter handle out of a 64/65 Chevelle automatic column. I had to thin the pivot hole section just a bit to fit into the truck column other than that it dropped right in. BTW, the metal the OEM handles are made from are ridiculously hard so even taking a few thousandths off of it took a while. Even the knob on the handle matches the turnsignal knob better than the original did. Been working fine now for nearly a decade. And like the OP, I wanted/needed a shorter handle due to having put in a smaller steering wheel. __________________ 1965 Malibu SS L79 Restoration Page 1965 Two-Door Wagon Project Progress Page 2006 Pontiac GTO Preservation Project Rich Cummings

01-08-2025, 12:06 PM	#8
70STOVEBOLT Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Winona Lake, IN Posts: 6,449	Re: Shorter column shift lever MikeB see post #6 above. __________________ 70 C/10 SWB 402/TH400/3.73 "The Needy Beast" 200,000 Mile Club Disc Brake Club Owner installed options: Front Sway Bar Power Steering Power Brakes Cigar Lighter Courtesy Lights Deluxe Side Markers Wiper Delay Sliding Rear Window Power Windows Power Locks Sniper EFI 2015 Silverado 1500 LS 4.3/6L80/3.23 lowered 2" front & rear

Today, 10:33 AM	#11
1970cstblazer All stock and staying that way Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Elkland, PA Posts: 1,891	Re: Shorter column shift lever For 1970-72 truck tilt columns, the mid '70's - 1982 van tilt column gear shift lever is shorter than the original. __________________ 1970 K/5 Blazer CST 4WD, TOTM winner December 2024! Medium Bronze, 93k ACT. miles, 350, 4 speed, rear positraction, 16.5" x 8.25" HD wheel option, tilt, tach, vacuum, AM/FM, manual throttle...Dad ordered and purchased new 4/70. Currently frame off restoration finally getting close to completion.. 1972 Cheyenne Super 20 2WD, DK Blue/White, 90K ACT. miles, 402, TH400, 4.10 open, tilt, tach, vacuum, A/C, AM/FM, manual throttle.. A mostly original paint never rusted Texas survivor... 2017 Sierra 1500 SLT 4WD, Black, 45k miles, 5.3, 6L80E, 3.42 LS, 20" polished wheels, everything but moonroof and 6.2... 2019 Canyon SLT 4WD, White, 62k miles, 3.6, 8L45, 3.23 LS, 18" wheels

01-08-2025, 11:17 AM	#6
70STOVEBOLT Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Winona Lake, IN Posts: 6,449	Re: Shorter column shift lever I have a '67 column in my '70 and I had to remove a little meat to get it to fit into the column opening as well. I think the difference is in the shape in that area. If you look at the pics Mel posted, it looks like the 67-68 is somewhat rounded and the 69-70 has sharp 90 degree corners in that area. __________________ 70 C/10 SWB 402/TH400/3.73 "The Needy Beast" 200,000 Mile Club Disc Brake Club Owner installed options: Front Sway Bar Power Steering Power Brakes Cigar Lighter Courtesy Lights Deluxe Side Markers Wiper Delay Sliding Rear Window Power Windows Power Locks Sniper EFI 2015 Silverado 1500 LS 4.3/6L80/3.23 lowered 2" front & rear

Today, 05:26 PM	#14
pjmoreland Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: CA Posts: 6,035	Re: Shorter column shift lever I just went and dug it out of my basement, and I was wrong about which style it is. It's a 71-72 with the thicker portion where it fits into the column. Here are some side-by-side photos of it next to an actual 67-68 shift lever. The 67-68 lever doesn't seem to bend any closer to the steering wheel. Attached Images

Today, 05:27 PM	#15
pjmoreland Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: CA Posts: 6,035	Re: Shorter column shift lever One more photo Attached Images

Today, 05:33 PM	#16
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,608	Re: Shorter column shift lever Thanks for the photos! Looks like the 67-68 lever might work. Is the square column end a little larger than a 69? Same size dowel pin? __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 36 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

Today, 05:41 PM	#17
pjmoreland Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: CA Posts: 6,035	Re: Shorter column shift lever I don't have a 69-70 lever to measure, but here are some measurements from the 67-68 and 71-72 levers I have: 67-68 Thickness = .385" 71-72 Thickness = .465" Dowel Pin Hole (both levers) = .224" You could measure your 69 lever thickness for comparison. Attached Images

Today, 05:49 PM	#18
pjmoreland Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: CA Posts: 6,035	Re: Shorter column shift lever I have this other 67-68 lever that has some pitting on the chrome that I'd be happy to send to you if you want to give it a try. Attached Images



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