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Old July 19th, 2007, 05:54 PM   #2 (permalink)
88 coupe
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Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Southern CA
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Alocatelli View Post
........ I would really like to convert it to a floor shifter ........
Most stick '53s were beat to death at an early age. Your intact column shift is what makes it a rare survivor.

Why do you want to change it?

Quote:
........ and was wondering if there was any type of kit ........
Not in '53.

On the strips, at that time, the preferred trans, for a heavily modified Olds or Cad, was from a '37 (only) Cadillac or La Salle.

The first aftermarket floor shift conversions showed up when the supply of real ones started drying up. They were patterned after the one, first used, in the '56 Corvette, and were/are a poor substitute for the real thing.

Hurst says they sell one to fit '49 and up. http://www.hurst-shifters.com/catalo...dyshftr3sp.pdf

Make that '50 and up. All '49 V8s came with Hydros, and that "conversion" will not work with any '50 or earlier 6 cyl trans.

Quote:
........ I have had several hydromatics ........
Correct spelling is Hydramatic. “Hydro” was used, instead of “hydra”, as the abbreviation, hence the confusion.

Quote:
........ curious if a 4 speed manual trans will bolt up ........
You could use your existing bell housing. You would need relocate, and tap, the 4 mounting holes, using the appropriate transfer punch.

Or, you could use one of the 394 bell housings that already has the late bolt pattern.

Norm
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Originally Posted by 380 Racer View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by 88 coupe View Post
None of us can know what we haven't learned yet .....
........ I saw Norm's "helpful" answer and encouragement as a slam ........
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