I have a pile of parts waiting on me when I get home from work to do the next part of my build on my 1952 Ford F1. I am planning on later on dropping a 302/3 speed in it, but for right now I am going with the 250/3speed.

I have the 302 on the engine stand and it's going to need a total rework. I have put a tube crossmember in it to mock up for a 302 and to get the transmission in the right spot. The 3 speed behind the 250 will be the same one to go behind the 302 later on. All I will have to do engine wise is make up a set of engine mounts to bolt the 250 to the 302 cross-member.

The main problem I am having right now is the shifter. Modding the factory style bench seat won't be a problem to put a dip in the middle of it, but where it is stilling right now I would have to cut into the main floor behind the trans hole in the cab. I would like to leave the floor pan un-cut if possible. I have seen some shifters like these but have even more dip in them.



They were used in early 30's cars when using 4 speeds in them.

What are all of you manual users using to shift you engine with?

This is what I have in the shop right now to work with. Hope I can just change the shifter arm out.

 

There are two ways of moving the shifter location on the three speed

Get a top mounted shift from a mid to late 70's Jeep T150 transmission - The shift then will come out where anormal center shift comes thru the floor.

They make a floor shift that mounts to the two rear bolts on the transmission where it mates up to the tail shaft - The shift handle will come up somewhere near the rear trans mount

 

Thanks, I will have to read up on that jeep transmission. I have seen and read up on the 4 speed conversion for a toploader into a street rod but didn't know it was available for the 3 speed also.

Looks like I need to find more info on that other shifter too.

 

Actually Hurst and possibly others still make 3 speed shifter conversion kits that mount to the tailshaft housing bolts.