PONTIAC FACT:
Untitled Document
National Parts Depot
57 want to switch to manual 4 speed on the floor.

 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    PontiacRegistry.com Forum Index -> Full Size Pontiacs: 1955 - 1986
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
clevelandice



Joined: 15 Mar 2015
Posts: 4


1957 Chieftain

PostPosted: Sun Mar 15, 2015 10:08 am    Post subject: 57 want to switch to manual 4 speed on the floor. Reply with quote

OK Poncho peeps, I need some help. I am working on a 57 Chieftain and I need some guidance with trans, shifter and steering column. I am switching from the automatic on the column to a 4 speed on the floor. I have the stock 347 and I just picked up a 68-70 4 speed Muncie M21. Here's my questions:

Any suggestions on where to get a column being that the power steering gear box has a flange on it from the stock column with shifter on the tree. See pic below. Is my only option to weld the flange from the old column onto a new one?

Still need a shifter kit. Hurst most likely. Any suggestions for what to look for or even better - someone have one to sell that fits this application? Guidance on what to look for being this is a floor mount application vs a console.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Larry
Site Admin


Joined: 01 Jun 2006
Posts: 4768




PostPosted: Sun Mar 15, 2015 1:42 pm    Post subject: Steering Column Question Reply with quote

If I read this right, you are looking to replace the steering column because you will not be using the shifter on it any longer. Why?

I have gone to great lengths to keep my 1940 Pontiac steering column and shifter (old 3-speed) even adapting stops and such to be able to use with a 350 automatic. I really dislike the looks of modern tilt-telescoping steering columns in the old cars. They look so out of place.

If, on the other hand, you're putting in new/different power steering, there should something to mate up to your old steering shaft flange. Or, room to cut the shaft and use a new swivel joint to connect to a new steering unit (as I'm doing with my '40).

Should be plenty of late-model shifters to fit your new 4-speed. Just be careful of fit between the seat and the dash. My twin brother put a 3-speed with a Hurst from a '56 Merc into his '62 Galaxy many years ago and the ball just touched the dash on 2nd gear- so he pounded a nice round area in the dash with a hammer. So contrary to some, it looks like I did get the brains of the two of us.

_________________
PontiacRegistry.com... building the single largest source of Pontiac information, services, and entertainment in the world!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail AIM Address
clevelandice



Joined: 15 Mar 2015
Posts: 4


1957 Chieftain

PostPosted: Thu Mar 26, 2015 4:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hey Larry

I am replacing the column because I am going with a manual trans and the stock one is automatic. I do not have a three on the tree or I would try to keep that. Just don't want an automatic shift bar coming out of the column not being used. Also the auto trans column has the gear indicator which would also be non functional. Not replacing it would look like the car was not complete with a floor shifter and a non functioning shift auto column.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    PontiacRegistry.com Forum Index -> Full Size Pontiacs: 1955 - 1986 All times are GMT - 5 Hours
Page 1 of 1

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You cannot download files in this forum
Untitled Document

PontiacRegistry.com, the ALL Pontiac Club for ALL Pontiac Lovers– dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and enjoyment of all years, models, and types of Pontiacs. Enjoy your Pontiac hobby at the only 24-7 Pontiac Club that brings you Pontiac News, Pontiac Information, and Pontiac Entertainment at the speed of light. Join today and help support and build the best of all Pontiac Clubs in the world. Clubs are for people too, not just cars. If you do not yet have a Pontiac, or just enjoy sharing information and learning about them....welcome!





 All Rights Reserved © 2012-2024 PontiacRegistry.com, LLC PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS & CONDITIONS | CONTACT US
Michael J. Gifford, Web Developer