Converting '53 Olds 3 speed manual column shift to floor shift?

[Alocatelli]

Hi all, I recently purchased a ''53 88 that has the 3 speed manual trans with the column shift. I would really like to convert it to a floor shifter and was wondering if there was any type of kit or a way to make a shifter myself for it. I have had several hydromatics but this is my first 3 speed. Also was curious if a 4 speed manual trans will bolt up. I read another thread on that but it didn't really answer that question. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[88 coupe]

Originally Posted by Alocatelli

........ 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?

........ 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.

........ I have had several hydromatics ........

Correct spelling is Hydramatic. “Hydro” was used, instead of “hydra”, as the abbreviation, hence the confusion.

........ 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

[Alocatelli]

Thanks for the info, thats exactly what I was looking for.

[Alocatelli]

Just thought I would give an update on this for anyone else that needs the info. Turns out that the Hurst shifter that they sell does not fit the 3 speed manual trans from a '53 Super 88. The trans only has a single shift arm coming out which is different than the later transmissions that have the two arms. I solved my problem by picking up a Muncie M21 close ratio 4 speed, Hurst floor shifter, and a new bellhousing made by Eelco.