3 speed column to 4 speed cover conversion

[1963c-10]

Has anybody converted their 3 speed column using a 4 speed column cover to delete the 3 speed shift knob & bump?

I have a 3 speed column shift now, and will be going to a floor shifter when I do the big block conversion. I want to clean up the column, so I had a buddy send me a 4 speed column cover. I have done alot of searching here in threads, but haven't found anyone whos done it yet.

If I missed a thread that covers it, please send me a link or post it here so I dont rehash an old thread.

Here are some pics of the 4 speed column and the trans assembly that'll go in the truck. The column piece looks identical to the 3 speed to me, minus the hole for the shifter....am I missing any pieces to convert?

[1963c-10]

hmmm....nobody. Ok well I guess its up to me to document this one. It'll be a little bit, but Ill keep all of you posted on it should it be helpful to someone else in the future.

[slorio]

1963c10:
Yes, did the same thing on my GMC. You will need a steering wheel puller to pull the wheel, then remove the turn signal switch that has three screws into the cup underneath, then unhook the cup with a 1/4 turn from the notches that protrude through. This will get you to the part you want to replace. I didn't have the shifter handle on at the time, so you may need to pull the pin and the shifter handle. Then you need to slide off the old part and slide on the new one. There is a notch to line up in that part with the column, but that is about it. I think I had to put two screwdrivers behind the old part to get a little leverage to get the old one to slip off, but that was the only hiccup. Clean the inside of the new one with a little sandpaper and put a little grease inside the new one before you slip it in.

That should be about it.
Regards,
Steve
New Orleans

[1963c-10]

Ok, great...that is what I was hoping to hear. Ill post some pics so other can see in case it'll help anyone in the future. Thank you for the response.

[slorio]

1963:
No problem. One thing I forgot was to unplug the blinker switch under the dash so you can slide the wires out until you make the swap, then slide them back through again.

Also, one editorial. Are you running a bench seat or buckets? That shifter is mounted pretty far back for a bench.
Regards,
Steve
New Orleans

[1963c-10]

i will still use the stock bench seat. the trans is the same length as the current trans in my truck. looking at where it will come through from underneath, the length and shape of the shiftarm, i should be good. hurst sells this particular mastershift specifically for this year truck. if its real tight, i can alwys do some adjusting on the angle of the shifter, it has additional adjustments, or use a different shaped shiftarm. they have a pretty big assortment in their online catalog. i still have a little play on moving seat back a little if i need too. guess we'll all find out when i go to the floor shifter.
Posted via Mobile Device