OK, here's one - B&M shifter move forward, or back to the column?

[PrimoOptimoso]

So I found a 66 that I like from the outside, but it has a terrible interior with buckets and a wooden console with a B&M auto shifter. I'd want to put a bench back in there, but the shifter is between the buckets, too far back for a bench.

1. can the shifter be moved forward a bunch?
2. can the shifting entirely move back to the column, somehow?

I would really want a bench in there - way more comfortable IMHO than any bucket, especially modern.

Plus, being in a nice truck with a bench reminds me of my childhood in my grandpa's hotrodded '73 Ranger. (Digression follows: My grandfather was a pro drag racer down at Aquasco a million years ago and his personal vehicles followed suit - that truck cracked like thunder when he goosed it, and had big fat tires in the back, little ones in front, a Kilroy peering over the bugshield on the leading edge of the hood like he was hanging on for dear life... yeah buddy. That's a big part of why I want an old truck myself! Too bad I don't like Ford styling quite as much as Chevy.)

[PrimoOptimoso]

Wait - I just realized, it's a 66 body on a 74 frame. What headaches would that induce now, later, etc?

[1963c-10]

the floor shifter is probably a cable system. if not, i know they make cable systems where you basically install the shiffter where you want them. summit, jegs, speedway all have pretty good selections. as for back to a factory column im unsure with the body being a different generation, if the transmission placement is close enough to factory, the linkage may not be an issue. any idea what trans is in the truck? any pics of the interior/underside would help id what you have. bench seat will bolt back in no problem with a cable operated shifter and the fastest fix.

and cool history with your grandpa, bet hes still grinning full throttle!

[PrimoOptimoso]

Originally Posted by 1963c-10

the floor shifter is probably a cable system. if not, i know they make cable systems where you basically install the shiffter where you want them. summit, jegs, speedway all have pretty good selections. as for back to a factory column im unsure with the body being a different generation, if the transmission placement is close enough to factory, the linkage may not be an issue. any idea what trans is in the truck? any pics of the interior/underside would help id what you have. bench seat will bolt back in no problem with a cable operated shifter and the fastest fix.

and cool history with your grandpa, bet hes still grinning full throttle!

You know, I think I'm going to pass on that one - I have my eye on a 66 GMC with a step bed too, which has a nicer interior anyway.

As for my grandpa - he's still with us, though for how much longer we can't say. Still has a truck, too, but now it's one of the newer F150 Crew "cowboy cadillac" types. We tried to get the old one on Overhaulin' for him, but I guess we're on the wrong coast.

[PrimoOptimoso]

Well I am looking at this truck again and considering it some more if the shifter move is as easy as I am hearing... Tell you what, look at this photo and you tell me. (I could get past the console and the shifter but those seats I am not a fan of...)

And *would* there be any headaches with having a '74 frame underneath? From registration to parts to anything unforeseen?

[1963c-10]

I'd do a search here on the forum. Look at the top left of the page and see the google box....check the 67-72 option and it'll keep it all in the forum. There are tons of threads on this. Lokar seems to be a popular choice, is cable driven and comes in multiple shift arm lengths. Link: http://www.srbymichael.com/index.cfm...od/prd7240.htm

Looks like the steering column was swapped also. As for frame parts, its no biggie, you'd just use 74 parts. Personally, I'd get rid of the wooden console and buckets. Toss in a factory bench or one of your liking and go to a tall shifter arm. These are easy issues to correct if you really want the truck.

As for registration....I'd contact VA DMV 1st and see what they say. Is it currently a VA registered truck?

[AcampoDave]

Aside from the dmv stuff, it has been stated by those in the know around here that the frame/body combo you're considering results in a "highrider". If you, are planning on having a lowered truck, I suggest you move on.

[69chevytrucker]

shifter can go anywhere you want mine is a 69 but i was able to put seats from a 2000 silverodo and still not bust my knuckle in first or park

[PrimoOptimoso]

Originally Posted by AcampoDave

Aside from the dmv stuff, it has been stated by those in the know around here that the frame/body combo you're considering results in a "highrider". If you, are planning on having a lowered truck, I suggest you move on.

I see in pics that it's a bit higher than others I've seen, but it's not too bad. How much COULD it be lowered? I am not looking for a lowrider at all, but a stock height with maybe a hint of rake would be great.

[tincan1966]

Those B & M Shifter must be the only one they sell anymore, LOL Seems it's the only one anyone buys. That shifter can easily be put anywhere the cable will aloow, or you can purchase different cables to suit what you want.

If understood correctly- this truck is already on a '74 frame? If so, I would definitely check out all the paperwork BEFORE buying it and consult with your DMV as to its legality.

Just because there is a title for the cab numbers does not make it a legal vehicle.

Good luck and ultimately the decision is yours as to where to spend your money.

[PrimoOptimoso]

Maybe my instinct to pass it by was the right way to go then, if the legality will be in question. Damn, it's only $8500 (to me a good price for one that is damn near finished) but as I suspected, that frame mismatch sounds like more trouble than it's worth.

EDIT: the guy says he's had it registered for years in WI as a regular ol' 66 with no issue.

[tincan1966]

Originally Posted by PrimoOptimoso

Maybe my instinct to pass it by was the right way to go then, if the legality will be in question. Damn, it's only $8500 (to me a good price for one that is damn near finished) but as I suspected, that frame mismatch sounds like more trouble than it's worth.

EDIT: the guy says he's had it registered for years in WI as a regular ol' 66 with no issue.

It doesn't matter about where it is titled now as much as where YOU are going to title it. Check with your DMV about transferring the title to your state and see if there is a VIN verification process. If so, ask about what is needed to pass if the chassis numbers do not match. A few free phone calls would be a lot better than $8500 thrown away on a truck they might confiscate and destroy.

Just me, but for $8500 you could take a stocker and go along way with it.

[PrimoOptimoso]

Originally Posted by tincan1966

It doesn't matter about where it is titled now as much as where YOU are going to title it. Check with your DMV about transferring the title to your state and see if there is a VIN verification process. If so, ask about what is needed to pass if the chassis numbers do not match. A few free phone calls would be a lot better than $8500 thrown away on a truck they might confiscate and destroy.

Just me, but for $8500 you could take a stocker and go along way with it.

Good point. Around here every one of these is either a 2-4k complete project or a garage queen for 15k, it seems. I don't have tools or workspace to do Big Things to any car, but I can get into redoing interior, trim, etc. so I'm looking for something that's "fairly nice" for under 10k, really.

[1963c-10]

Originally Posted by tincan1966

It doesn't matter about where it is titled now as much as where YOU are going to title it. Check with your DMV about transferring the title to your state and see if there is a VIN verification process. If so, ask about what is needed to pass if the chassis numbers do not match. A few free phone calls would be a lot better than $8500 thrown away on a truck they might confiscate and destroy.

Just me, but for $8500 you could take a stocker and go along way with it.

x2 on tincan1966's comments. $8500 can buy a lot of truck that has the correct frame and probably the options that you want.