slant six 3sp. to 4 sp. conversion
i may just leave it alone and run what i got 'til it dies!
That'll probably be awhile... ;)
Hey, at least you already have the floor shifter in place, so a swap is relatively easy. Whenever you do finally get tired of the 3-spd, and find a 4-spd or even fabricate mountings for a 5-spd... keep us old 3-on-the-tree lovers in mind (in other words, someone might want the 3-spd box).
1970s 3-spd units are more desirable (relatively speaking) because they have all forward gears synchronized. My 64 is a reminder of the old days, when people used to *need* to come to a full stop before engaging first gear. Other than historical relevance or sparking conversations with Graybeards, or providing a fairly unique chance to practice double clutching while rolling, that characteristic has little else going for it. Installing a 70s 3-spd into a 60s car is *almost* a bolt-in affair, except for needing to lengthen one of the shift rods an inch or two. Someday I might do that, if the current 60s unit ever grenades.
But I wouldn't trade my column shifter for a floor mount, no way. It's way too unusual these days, despite that it used to be as common as oatmeal for breakfast. I do sometimes wonder how I could install an overdrive, but then I decide over and over again that a GearVendors unit isn't really worth it. Maybe when I'm rich and famous I'll do it anyway...
- Erik
64 Valiant, 170 3-spd
82 Volvo wagon, 5.0 5-spd :)
