Column shifter rebuild
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: NM
Column shifter rebuild
I recently checked off one of my long-standing To-Do's, by rebuilding the column shift system from top to bottom. The results are wonderful! The throws feel like 1/2 of what they were before, and the shifter isn't hitting my leg in 1st and 3rd.
I documented the whole process with pictures, and a write-up, but it's a PDF and I can't post it here or in the Gallery. It will be on the new Flathead Forum (relocated MSN Flathead forum) shortly, but in the meantime if anyone wants it, send me an email and I'll send it to you. It's about 1 MB.
EDIT: The document is now attached in Post #24 of this thread.
I documented the whole process with pictures, and a write-up, but it's a PDF and I can't post it here or in the Gallery. It will be on the new Flathead Forum (relocated MSN Flathead forum) shortly, but in the meantime if anyone wants it, send me an email and I'll send it to you. It's about 1 MB.
EDIT: The document is now attached in Post #24 of this thread.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,958
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Would that be the same basic procedure on my 56? Not only does my trans need a rebuild, but I am sure the column could use it too.
If it might be similar, I would appreciate a copy.
blb1408 (at) hotmail (dot) com
Thanks,
Brian
If it might be similar, I would appreciate a copy.
blb1408 (at) hotmail (dot) com
Thanks,
Brian
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,641
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From: Poway, Ca.
Hi Ross,
I'd love to see your work and put it in my library for future reference! I have done bits and pieces but never a whole column. Also, could you send me the links for your parts sources if its other than LMC?
I'll send you a PM with the e-mail address.
Thanks much,
Julie
I'd love to see your work and put it in my library for future reference! I have done bits and pieces but never a whole column. Also, could you send me the links for your parts sources if its other than LMC?
I'll send you a PM with the e-mail address.
Thanks much,
Julie
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Fleet Owner
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From: NM
The good news (to me anyway) is that because the same parts were used for so long, many of the wear parts are still available from OEM Ford sources. The one part that really isn't (AFAIK) is the shifter tube itself, and I had a machinist make up a totally new piece to actually improve on the original. Here's a pic of the lower end of the shifter tube, where a selector pin rides. The hole in the shifter tube gets wallered out (there's more to it, in the article). The machinist made up a solid steel piece, cut off the old, and pressed the new piece into the tube. Then he TIG'd it together, and machined it down. (My machinist, Gene Birrell at Noor Mfg., is a Model A kind of guy, he's just about done with a '31 5-W coupe that he built from almost the ground up, so he's sympathetic to old trucks) He does magnificent work!
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2005
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I am going to have to open both versions togther now...to figure out what the minor revision was. Ok...not now. I am half asleep. I will compare them tomorrow.
g'night all.
Thanks again,
Brian
g'night all.
Thanks again,
Brian
Trending Topics
Junior User
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Column shift rebuild
I would love to have your rebuild file. My email is jmorton@goldenwestsigns.com THANKS!
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Joined: Dec 2006
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From: south-central PA
The good news (to me anyway) is that because the same parts were used for so long, many of the wear parts are still available from OEM Ford sources. The one part that really isn't (AFAIK) is the shifter tube itself, and I had a machinist make up a totally new piece to actually improve on the original. Here's a pic of the lower end of the shifter tube, where a selector pin rides. The hole in the shifter tube gets wallered out (there's more to it, in the article). The machinist made up a solid steel piece, cut off the old, and pressed the new piece into the tube. Then he TIG'd in together, and machined it down. (My machinist, Gene Birrell at Noor Mfg., is a Model A kind of guy, he's just about done with a '31 5-W coupe that he built from almost the ground up, so he's sympathetic to old trucks) He does magnificent work!
I don't have a column shift, but i'm curious if that shaft is "cast", and he machined the new section out of rolled steel. I'm guessing yes, so that will never were out ever again.......
looks really good, "It's all in the details" is something i always like......
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Fleet Owner
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From: NM
The tube is drawn steel; at the location of the hole, Ford pressed a solid plug of steel inside and peened it in place, so the selector pin is supported all the way thru. But over the year the plug loosens inside the tube, causing the two wear spots you see on the pin and greatly increasing the amount of play. My machinist used 1018 steel to make the replacement, it is weldable and reasonably hard. It will be tight long after I'm in the ground!
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,976
Likes: 9,806
From: Rio Rancho, NM
Ross,
I told you your article would be a hit!!
I used your machinest a few times a few years ago, you're right, excellent work from that shop.
Is the article going to become a tech article on this site?
Bobby
I told you your article would be a hit!!
I used your machinest a few times a few years ago, you're right, excellent work from that shop.
Is the article going to become a tech article on this site?
Bobby
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,976
Likes: 9,806
From: Rio Rancho, NM
Ross, no problem....
just get out the cut off wheel and the plasma cutter and start hacking, once you get it to the site then all you have to do is stitch it back together with the MIG welder, but be carefull and don't let to muchheat build up, I'd hate to see it get warped.............lol
Bobby
just get out the cut off wheel and the plasma cutter and start hacking, once you get it to the site then all you have to do is stitch it back together with the MIG welder, but be carefull and don't let to muchheat build up, I'd hate to see it get warped.............lol
Bobby
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Fleet Owner
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From: NM
FYI -- the article is on-line now:
http://www.flatheadv8.org/columnshift.pdf
EDIT 7/30/19 -- that site is gone. I'm attaching the document here for posterity
http://www.flatheadv8.org/columnshift.pdf
EDIT 7/30/19 -- that site is gone. I'm attaching the document here for posterity