Help 400 Turbo Trans Issues In 65 Skylark!

I HAVE A 65GS WITH THE 2SPD AND A FLOOR SHIFT CONSOLE AND DECIDED TO SWITCH TO A 400 3SPD AND I HAVE RUN INTO SOME MAJOR ISSUES THAT I HOPE SOMEONE HAS THE FIX FOR. THE PROBLEM IS THE TRANS TAIL SHAFT SECTION IS RIGHT UP INTO THE SHIFTER LINKAGE AND THE TRANS NEEDS TO GO UP STILL ANOTHER 2" OR SO. IS THERE A FIX FOR THE FLOOR SHIFTER LINKAGE AS IM NOT LOOKING TO CUT MY FLOOR OR USE AN AFTERMARKET SHIFTER AS I WANT TO KEEP IT ALL ORIGINAL. ALSO I NEED A DIPSTICK TUBE LET ME KNOW AT ECO-CARS@HOTMAIL.COM OR CALL ME AT 818-913-2800 THANKS VERY MUCH MIKE.

PS IF YOU HAVE DONE THIS SWAP PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU DID AS I DON'T WANT TO GO BACK TO MY 2SPD:eek2:

 

? no one has swapped out a 300 switch pitch for a 400 switch pitch in a 65gs with floor shifter? im about ready to put the 2spd back in unless i can find someone that can let me know how to do the shifter linkage etc. and any tricks to make this work? thanks mike. 818-913-2800

 

There is a reason the manaufacturer used a different shifter in the 67 cars equipped with a th400. clearance will be an issue as you have found out.

 

Mike, I did the swap back in 1986. I did do some bendin' and grindin' to gain clearance. I don't recall whether I got it back up to the stock height.

 

can you go into detail if you remember what exactly you had to do, I need to know how to clear the shifter if possible without hacking up my original pieces. as i really want to keep it as stock looking as possible or if someone has a 4spd setup available i would love to go that way also LOL.o No:

 

To get everything to fit, you will need to use the 1967 shifter or if you want to keep the original, you will have to drop the crossmember about 1/2 inch and do some serious bending work on the linkage going to the transmission from the shifter, as well as move the shifter arm.
The 67 shifter moves the linkage forward into the tunnel to a point where it widens and has more room.
You can use the 2 speed shifter, but you will be missing one detent. Just have to know where the shifter needs to be for 2nd.
Mike

 

so thats it, i just need a shifter from a 67? if so anyone have one they want to part with : ). do i need the linkage from the 67 also or just the shifter etc.? thanks very much mike.

 

You will need the linkage from the shifter to the transmission, or shorten your stock piece. I think that will work.
I have a couple of shifters. Contact me direct.
bigirish2@comcast.net
Mike

 

email sent also it seems like the trans is going to be right up against the trans tunnel? will the 67 shifter fit in the stock location and work etc.

 

Mike
are you sure about that? my stock 67 GS400 shifter had the linkage moved farther back and a longer rod to the transmission selector. the 65-66 2 speed shifter penbetrates the floor at the front of the shifter assy and i think that is what his issue is right now

 

my stock shifter has the tabs of the shifter coming straight down. with the 400 sp trans bolted up to my block the rear of the trans right at about were the tail shaft is bolted to the trans case is where my stock shifter hits the trans and does not allow it to be raised up. after looking at it and how much it needs to be moved up to be bolted to the cross member with the trans mount it looks as though the trans is going to be right up into the floor and is questionable if there will be enough room for the trans to be bolted into place properly, that is moving the stock brackets on the frame back to line up with the trans and crossmember. if the trans is right up into the floor i don't see how the shifter will fit in and work? if anyone has done this swap and has pics i would love to see them and also let me know if the 400sp does hit the floor etc. also does the 67 shifter work in the same location as my 65 shifter as im not sure if the placement of the shifter is the same for 65-67? 818-913-2800

 

Bob:
You might be right. All I know is that the 3 speed shifter with the correct rod does clear everything and doesn't cause you to drop the crossmember.
Sometimes you can't tell front from back on some things.
Mike

 

If i remember correctly i sold you a complete 67 GS400 shifter assy with the long rod. those things are near impossible to find anymore..also i am completely moved now and still have those core support rods you wanted.

 

I don't remember the rod being there. I will look.
If I have slept since that deal, then the chances of remembering are slim.
Anytime on the supports. Don't need them right away.
Mike

 

Mike
the shifter i shipped to you had the rod and the lever that bolts to the selector shaft on the trans..I sold the assy to you after i decided to leave my 65 GS all stock.. hope you still have it as they are tough to find. Bob

 

I just and looked and it is still there. I found a couple of consoles as well, not the best, but decent chrome.
Mike

 

you have the shifter and rod, also still trying to find out about the clearance issues with the rear of the trans and the trans tunnel mike.

 

The floorpans are identical from 64-67 so as long as your using a shortshaft 400 and the correct trans mount it should fit without hitting the floorpan. Bob

 

Bob:
I guess I am not understanding what you are saying. Floor pans are the same but the transmissions are not. The 300 is narrower than the SP400 where the tailshaft housing bolts on, by more than an inch as I remember. CRS might be a problem. So this is the issue. Is that what you are saying?
As far as the hole in the floor goes for the shifter, that is the unaswered question at this time.
Mike

 

Just did a side by side of the two shifters. The 2 speed shifter has the linkage going thru the floor on the left side of the tunnel at about the center of the shifter base. The 3 speed shifter has the linkage going thru the tunnel more towards the middle and about 8 to 9 inches closer to the firewall.
As Bob said the linkage rod from the 3 speed shifter to the trans has another link on it that goes on the transmission selector shift rod in place of the normal spring loaded U shaped bracket that the 2 speed and column shift set ups use.

Hope that helps.
Mike