Shorter column shift lever - Page 2 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**oneshotkyle** · 01-11-2025, 09:25 PM

Having bought a 70 tilt column for mine and putting a 13” wheel on i ended up finding some info and ordered a 2” shorter version. Thought this illustration might help a few of you

**MikeB** · 01-12-2025, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich69shortfleet

I just remembered, I did a thread on my handle swap.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=shift+lever

Well written documentary. Funny stuff!

I especially liked the part about using this type of metal for war machines.

Rich69shortfleet · 01-12-2025, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeB

Well written documentary. Funny stuff!

I especially liked the part about using this type of metal for war machines.

I know GM wanted these important parts to be durable but sheesh this stuff is hard! I have to wonder if the aftermarket/repo parts are made as well and are as hard.

**MikeB** · 01-12-2025, 05:32 PM

Here's what I have.

**MikeB** · 01-12-2025, 05:35 PM

The big picture:

Classic Bowties · 01-21-2025, 02:01 AM

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.

Hi Mike, I haven't had the time or chance to get the requested shift lever picture and info for you until this past weekend, here is an earlier style OE 67-68 shift lever sitting on top of the later style OE 69-70 shift lever with a shift pin dropped thru both to line up and show the differences in lever profile and overall length. In my opinion, I do not think that you'd have any lever to steering wheel clearance issue due to the earlier 67-68 style shift lever having sharper bends at each end of the lever, one bend towards wheel and one away. Per your sent pm, we would have the shorter style 67-68 shift lever available in either GM NOS or OE used, hope these pics help out some. Mel

.

**MikeB** · 01-21-2025, 12:49 PM

Mel, thanks. Check your PMs.

**dagnabbitt** · 01-21-2025, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dagnabbitt

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

This is an interesting thread, I realize now that the reason why I thought the above is because my three on the tree was in a 67. Glad I saved the shifter, I am going to go look for it.

I am pretty sure that I also have a 67 shifter on my 1972 with tilt: I have an OBS steering wheel on it, and it really works/looks great.

**MikeB** · 01-28-2025, 07:20 PM

Ended up using an aftermarket 67-68 lever. Had to round off the ball end a little because it was more square than round. Also had to hog out the roll pin hole by around .002".

I have a 67-68 knob, but I like the 69 better. It was a real PITA taking the knob off the 69 lever. I actually cleaned it up by sanding with 400, 1000, and 2000 grit and then polishing compound. Shines like new!

Before and after photos. Difference in length is around 1.5" and I think the 67-68 lever looks nicer because it's a little closer to the wheel (back towards the driver). Lots of work for little gain, but, hey, all the little details add up!

**MikeB** · 01-29-2025, 11:44 AM

Question: Is the roll pin supposed to be a tight fit in the shift bowl holes, or in the lever hole? Seems like it wouldn't make sense for it to rotate in the softer metal. But I think that's how my stock setup worked. At least it did after 56 years of use.

The pin is a fairly tight tap-in fit in the new lever, and it rotates in the shift bowl holes, where the fit is snug, but not tight.

So maybe in another 20 years, the truck will need a new shift bowl or a .001" oversize roll pin!

WHYBYNU · 08-04-2025, 07:50 PM

I followed MikeB and installed the 67/68 shift lever today
on my 1971 couldn't be happier.

**MikeB** · 08-05-2025, 02:25 PM

I rotated and cropped that for you. For some reason, if you post a photo that's taller than wider, this site will rotate it.

WHYBYNU · 08-05-2025, 03:44 PM

Thanks MikeB.

**mr48chev** · 08-05-2025, 04:18 PM

This is one of those things that I have been thinking about ever since I put the Nardi wheel in my 71 GMC 2500.

Old photo just after I put the wheel in.

**zicc1835** · 08-07-2025, 09:40 PM

subd..

01-11-2025, 09:25 PM	#26
oneshotkyle Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: central oregon Posts: 286	Re: Shorter column shift lever Having bought a 70 tilt column for mine and putting a 13” wheel on i ended up finding some info and ordered a 2” shorter version. Thought this illustration might help a few of you Attached Images

01-12-2025, 05:32 PM	#29
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 4,038	Re: Shorter column shift lever Here's what I have. Attached Images __________________ Mike 1969 Custom/10 LWB -- owned for 37 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. Hedman stainless headers. Old Air installation in progress. 1982 Custom Deluxe 10 SWB -- converted from 250-six to roller cam 350 w/ Vortec heads -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB, 305, TH350C -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) which 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 26 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

01-12-2025, 05:35 PM	#30
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 4,038	Re: Shorter column shift lever The big picture: Attached Images __________________ Mike 1969 Custom/10 LWB -- owned for 37 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. Hedman stainless headers. Old Air installation in progress. 1982 Custom Deluxe 10 SWB -- converted from 250-six to roller cam 350 w/ Vortec heads -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB, 305, TH350C -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) which 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 26 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then! Last edited by MikeB; 01-12-2025 at 05:45 PM.

01-21-2025, 12:49 PM	#32
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 4,038	Re: Shorter column shift lever Mel, thanks. Check your PMs. __________________ Mike 1969 Custom/10 LWB -- owned for 37 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. Hedman stainless headers. Old Air installation in progress. 1982 Custom Deluxe 10 SWB -- converted from 250-six to roller cam 350 w/ Vortec heads -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB, 305, TH350C -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) which 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 26 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

01-28-2025, 07:20 PM	#34
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 4,038	Re: Shorter column shift lever Ended up using an aftermarket 67-68 lever. Had to round off the ball end a little because it was more square than round. Also had to hog out the roll pin hole by around .002". I have a 67-68 knob, but I like the 69 better. It was a real PITA taking the knob off the 69 lever. I actually cleaned it up by sanding with 400, 1000, and 2000 grit and then polishing compound. Shines like new! Before and after photos. Difference in length is around 1.5" and I think the 67-68 lever looks nicer because it's a little closer to the wheel (back towards the driver). Lots of work for little gain, but, hey, all the little details add up! Attached Images __________________ Mike 1969 Custom/10 LWB -- owned for 37 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. Hedman stainless headers. Old Air installation in progress. 1982 Custom Deluxe 10 SWB -- converted from 250-six to roller cam 350 w/ Vortec heads -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB, 305, TH350C -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) which 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 26 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then! Last edited by MikeB; 01-30-2025 at 01:29 PM.

01-29-2025, 11:44 AM	#35
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 4,038	Re: Shorter column shift lever Question: Is the roll pin supposed to be a tight fit in the shift bowl holes, or in the lever hole? Seems like it wouldn't make sense for it to rotate in the softer metal. But I think that's how my stock setup worked. At least it did after 56 years of use. The pin is a fairly tight tap-in fit in the new lever, and it rotates in the shift bowl holes, where the fit is snug, but not tight. So maybe in another 20 years, the truck will need a new shift bowl or a .001" oversize roll pin! __________________ Mike 1969 Custom/10 LWB -- owned for 37 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. Hedman stainless headers. Old Air installation in progress. 1982 Custom Deluxe 10 SWB -- converted from 250-six to roller cam 350 w/ Vortec heads -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB, 305, TH350C -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) which 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 26 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

08-04-2025, 07:50 PM	#36
WHYBYNU WHYBYNU when old will do Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Hot Springs, AR. Posts: 702	Re: Shorter column shift lever I followed MikeB and installed the 67/68 shift lever today on my 1971 couldn't be happier. Attached Images __________________ 71 Cheyenne super 2 tone green and white ZZ6 - Th350 4/6 drop 20x8.5 / 20x10 Billet Specialties

08-05-2025, 02:25 PM	#37
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 4,038	Re: Shorter column shift lever I rotated and cropped that for you. For some reason, if you post a photo that's taller than wider, this site will rotate it. Attached Images __________________ Mike 1969 Custom/10 LWB -- owned for 37 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. Hedman stainless headers. Old Air installation in progress. 1982 Custom Deluxe 10 SWB -- converted from 250-six to roller cam 350 w/ Vortec heads -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB, 305, TH350C -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) which 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 26 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

08-05-2025, 03:44 PM	#38
WHYBYNU WHYBYNU when old will do Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Hot Springs, AR. Posts: 702	Re: Shorter column shift lever Thanks MikeB. __________________ 71 Cheyenne super 2 tone green and white ZZ6 - Th350 4/6 drop 20x8.5 / 20x10 Billet Specialties

08-05-2025, 04:18 PM	#39
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 16,400	Re: Shorter column shift lever This is one of those things that I have been thinking about ever since I put the Nardi wheel in my 71 GMC 2500. Old photo just after I put the wheel in. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.

08-07-2025, 09:40 PM	#40
zicc1835 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Hanover NJ Posts: 4,842	Re: Shorter column shift lever subd.. __________________ Grand Theft Auto https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=855961 Doc & Kim build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=722288 I am from the desert http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=650332 basket case build SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=648557



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