hey all, long time listener, first time caller so please excuse me if etiquette is not spot on on where I am posting this. I have a 59 Apache with stovebolt and 3 speed. Rebuilding the column shift assembly now and the shift handle I have (as in the sheet metal handle that has the knob on it and is the actual shift arm by the wheel) is mangled beyond repair. Does anyone know of a source or re pop of this part? Coming up short on eBay save for a few entire columns. Advice?
I don't know of any aftermarket handle. I checked the Filling Station site and they don't show one and usually if there is a repro part for an older GM they show it. Best bet might be hoping that someone on here has one they pulled off a truck that they will part with reasonable. Be wary of anyone who doesn't show a current photo of the item though.
one of those parts that is not likely to be reproduced. here's a used one, I think the metal part is the same, even if the plastic knob is different? maybe you can find a reproduction 55-59 knob? https://www.ebay.com/itm/192782812719
Wow. I searched up and down before posting this (my biggest fear was the first response would be “here’s one”). Appreciate the quick responses folks! I just bought it! Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Was thinking when Chevy changed the steering wheel the shifter changed also. 57-58 they used a deeper wheel didn't they? Then changed the angle of the shifter.
I don't remember. I suppose I could look it up.....like I should have done in the first place. I know the turn signal switch changed, so it kind of makes sense that the shifter would, also. 57-59 were deep dish.
Yep! 1954 1955 Chevy Truck Transmission Column Shift Lever Very Nice Used Original GM Condition: Used Ended: Feb 01, 2019 , 2:50PM
Looks identical to the one that was on the truck (but was mangled). Judging by the joint I think I can make this work! Will report back with photos if it works (for 20 bucks tough to go wrong!) current setup is held together with Hose clamps....to its credit I think the guy drove it for like 40k miles that way... Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
wow....had some NOS goods for Chevy 1954 down.....sold at the Nostalgia Nationals a year or so back.....
there are a few internal parts on that setup, a rubber sleeve with a metal bushing inside, and the funky spring clip that holds the little buttons out. I used a similar (or the same) lever on the automatic column shift I put in my 57 Suburban several years ago.
If yours doesn’t work, I have one out of a ‘57, that’s for the dished wheel. I have all the parts that bolt to the top part of the column down to the splined/clamped rod joint by the floor. Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
That’s awesome to know! I will get it this week sometime and will let you know if It’s no bueno. I love this place man. Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
So here’s the verdict, the shifter is in fact shallower in angle than the stock shifter. That being said I just did a test fit and don’t see any clearance issues to the dash (since it’s shallower that was my worry). Just a bit farther from the wheel than the original part. Unfortunately now I see that the bracket mounting the shifter to the column is cracked and will need to be replaced. @57tailgater still got that assembly? Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Thanks and good to know! Any idea if the parts (specifically the one I put I the photo in the thread) is the same for 47-59? Or does the shifter handle angle change any compatibility? Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Sorry, not finding what I thought I had. Storage conditions limiting access. Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
Thanks Saxman. Between eBay and LMC I think I have found what I need. Will update thread when I confirm compatibility. Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
So circling back here. All parts have arrived. I have a car shifter, pivot and spring/bushings from a late 40’s truck and a homemade rubber bushing (wound and cut electrical tape) and here is the verdict: it works! There are certainly differences in the parts across car truck and apparently generations as well. The pivot piece for the older truck was shorter than the OE part. It did require a lot of trial fitting and lubrication and adjustment to get it all to fit and operate properly but if you need to do this repair, the short version of the long story is if you find a bunch of random parts they can more or less go together. Now onto cleaning The shifter box at the bottom of the column. Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
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