Thread: Steering Column question

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I have a 65 Chevy truck, standard 3 speed, right now all I am able to get is 1st and 2nd, I can not get 3rd or reverse. This has happened before and left me standed for a while. I want to replace the whole column but I do not want one that is chrome. first can this problem be fixed, or would it be better to replace it? Can I use a column from a other car or truck and if I can what make and year will fit the 65?

First thing you need to determine is if the shift mechanism is causing the trouble or something in the tranny. Being that reverse and third are on two different arms, I think you need to figure this out first.

Disconnect the shift rods and see if you can manually get the arms on the tranny into those missing gears. Unless you are hung up on three on the tree, how about a good floorshifter?

Don

Second Don i would just install a floor shifter .

I went the other way I reconverted back to the 3 on the tree.
Just something about alll 4 limbs doing something at the same time!!!
Right hand on shifter/right foot on gas/left hand on steering wheel/left foot on clutch......who needs a seat

I don't know about now but back then Chevy column linkage was garbage. As Don said unless your realy hungup on column shift I'd put it on the floor. But you first have to determan what the problem is . Shifter or trans.

Originally Posted by shawnlee28

I went the other way I reconverted back to the 3 on the tree.
Just something about alll 4 limbs doing something at the same time!!!
Right hand on shifter/right foot on gas/left hand on steering wheel/left foot on clutch......who needs a seat

you do realize that with either a 3 on the tree or floor shift manual all for limb are doing something right?

Kind of like riding a motorcycle. Right hand - throttle, left hand - clutch, right foot - rear brake, left foot - shifter. Then you still have to work the front brake, the turn signals, the choke, and the horn... with all your other hands... Huh??

Old column shifters had plastic and rubber bushings in some key places. When the plastic or rubber disintegrated, sometimes the linkage would get all jammed up. Usually, though, you would have 1st & reverse or 2nd & 3rd. I agree with Don; 1st & 2nd are at opposite ends of two different shift gates. Make sure your trans is OK first before spending money on a column.

Originally Posted by fraks72

I have a 65 Chevy truck, standard 3 speed, right now all I am able to get is 1st and 2nd, I can not get 3rd or reverse. This has happened before and left me standed for a while. I want to replace the whole column but I do not want one that is chrome. first can this problem be fixed, or would it be better to replace it? Can I use a column from a other car or truck and if I can what make and year will fit the 65?

I found the problem, my bad I didn't have 1st or reverse, I pulled the links together in neutral and had to pull that link in the middle down it came down and bam I had 1st and reverse. I had it check out and the column has a bearing that is wearing out. I decided to go with the shifter on the floor and also found a 4 spd tranny that will bolt right up. my problem now is getting a new column. I heard a 72 chevy column will fit, is this so? thanks