Need info on 3 speed column to floor shift conversion.

[Chevy2013]

Hi All,

I recently purchased a 1963 C10 with a factory installed 3 - speed manual transmission. I'm looking to convert the column shift to a floor shift using a Hurst Indy shifter. I contacted Hurst and they suggested the 5010016shifter. However when I look at the website it indicates that it is for 69 and older models (Saginaw, Muncie and Tremec). In looking at my transmission there doesn't seem to be any mounting bolts on the trans that would accomodate this. Does anyone know if there is a mounting bracket that is available to fit this. The guy I spoke with at Hurst didn't really have an answer for me.

Just looking for anyone that may have done this conversion for their feedback.

Thanks

[Turkey]

don't do it

[AcampoDave]

Yea, what he said. I used to have a 3 spd hurst in a 61 as a youngster and it was never a smooth operation to shift it

[cortcomp]

You either need to swap to a tranny with the triangle shifter bolt pattern on the tailhousing (might as well go 4spd then) or make a mount bracket that attaches underneath to the tranny mount. There is more invovled, you gotta cut a hole and it will likely hit your seat.

A hurst shifter will shift like butter if adjusted properly. Honestly, unless going to 4 spd, the column shifter is cool.
Posted via Mobile Device

[61K10]

the org hurst for the early trans had a bracket that bolted on where the tail shaft case bolted on. they also had a kit for the over-drive. had both back in the day--------

[ChrisDollins]

I thought about doing this too since my shifter was really stiff and almost impossible to shift if it was cold outside. I actually just squirted some light oil (jack oil) down the column in the void where the shifter is and it cured it! Shifts like a good floor shifter. Even pulls itself forward to go into second like it did (I assume) from factory. Much better, figure I'll leave it like this forever.

Chris
Posted via Mobile Device

[Chevy2013]

The only reason I want to change is the shifter keeps jamming and I believe it is in the column. Maybe I'll try what C.D. did and shoot a little lube in there and see what happens. The turn signal switch plastic is getting brittle, but I think I can order a replacement kit for that. Rather not have to replace the column if I can help it.

[ChrisDollins]

Not sure if that will help jamming. Mine never got "stuck", just felt like I was pushing it through molasses lol. Are there any bushings anywhere that could be worn or replaced? I'm with ya, don't want to spend any money or too much time on a column shifter. Would rather it be in the floor.

Chris
Posted via Mobile Device

[cortcomp]

The void where the shift ears are is at the bottom of the column under the hood, some lube in there helps if it's sluggish. Shouldn't have to remove the steering wheel at all, not a lot up there for shifting but the handle and collar.

There are linkage points to lube or bush if they bind, just like the floor shifter but running to the column. Those being wore tend to cause slop which causes shifter lock up and jamming usually, like a maladjusted shifter.

[Chevy2013]

Thanks, I'll check the bushing and lube the appropriate spots. My dad had a 69 GMC 30 yrs ago...It's going to take a bit to get reacquainted with the simplicity of this truck.

[markeb01]

My first 3 speed shifter installation was modifying a Dragfast shifter from a 57 Chevy to fit a 54 Chevy with a torque tube transmission. I was 17 at the time showing that anything can be made to fit with enough enthusiasm. It was a cool swap in 1965 but not so much anymore.

The first thing you’ll notice with Indy shifters is you rarely see what’s in the box. The marketing photos just show the handle, boot, and knob. That’s because the shifter is truly just a box of parts that bolt together something like an old Plymouth Valiant shifter. The results are sloppy and ineffective.

A Hurst Mastershift on the other hand is an actual shifter much like the old Syncro-Loc shifters of the 60’s. Unfortunately it requires a separate installation kit almost doubling the price. This is a fine shifter, but the cost is nearly the same as a Competition Plus 4 speed shifter. The problem with any 3 speed floor shift conversion is the substantial investment for a transmission that will likely be upgraded/replaced some time in the future and all that 3 speed shifter cost is wasted.

Converting to a 3 speed shifter on the floor will require cutting a hole in the floor. There are no seat clearance issues with the 3 speed. It bolts to the side of the transmission well ahead of the seat. Problem being if you later decide to switch to a 4 or 5 speed, a new hole will be required. The 4 speed shifter mounting is farther to the rear requiring another hole, and will normally interfere with the seat. A 5 speed will require yet another hole on the centerline with location dependent on transmission choice.

My only point in all this is converting to a 3 speed floor shift as a temporary solution, is not necessarily a good investment unless you intend to leave the 3 speed manual transmission in place permanently.

[cortcomp]

All good points. I wanted to point out you can easily get the 4spd shifter through a 3spd hole in the floor, if you make the style mount plate we discussed that uses the tranny mount holes and not the tailshaft holes. Anyways if i'm getting rid of the column shift and going floor, i'm digging up a random 4spd tranny. Doesn't even have to be a muncie or anything strong, it'll work fine in these trucks. Keep in mind the bellhousing center holes didn't get larger until 67 i believe, so you'll want a chevy car trans so you dont have to mess with the bearing retainer or swapping to a later bellhousing which won't have the ears to mount to the crossmember which means you'd need a tranny crossmember.....you can see how it goes on and on.

[1963c-10]

Did you ever figure out the mounting system? I have an extra install kit that bolts to where the tailshaft connects to the main case. I went with the borg t-16 and by the grace of god I was able to find a 67-68 NOS shifter install kit for the trans which was very low production.