Looking for "three on the tree" parts

Discussion in 'Parts wanted' started by Andrew, Aug 31, 2004.

  1. Andrew

    Andrew Well-Known Member

    Hello All. Looking to install a 3 speed manual in my 300 powered 1965 skylark 2 dr.
    Steering column (minus the wheel)
    Shift linkage to trans.
    Clutch/ brake pedals
    Clutch linkage
    Flywheel/clutch
    Bellhousing

    Im shure that the flywheel / clutch linkage parts are the hardest to find. What other year Skylark pieces would fit?
    Thanks.
    -adb
     
  2. Brian

    Brian Displaced VA Hillbilly

    I have a transmission, column, shift linkage, flywheel housing, flywheel, and clutch for a '65 if you are interested. It all came out of my '65 Special when I converted it to a 4 speed in the floor. I don't want to split the set up though--I want it all to go together.
    I have a feeling it could be expensive to ship it all to CA though!
    stonesautomotive@juno.com
     
  3. Andrew

    Andrew Well-Known Member

    Hello Brian.
    Shoot, the gearbox is the only part I do have :) . Yeah shipping that heavy thing could be a pain. Im not in a super hurry as the st300 works just fine. Just want to make driving a bit more fun. What 4 speed boxes did you use with your cars? What box is in the GS?
    Thanks for the reply.
    -adb
    -adb
     
  4. Brian

    Brian Displaced VA Hillbilly

    I put a correct T-10 wide ratio in it. My '64 came with one from the factory, so I had an example of exactly what it should have in it. The changeout was easy to the 4 speed from the 3 on the tree--driveshaft is the same length, flywheel housing, clutch, etc. are all the same--just had to cut the hole in the floor and change out the column. I drove the car for several years with the 3 on the tree in it and it was definitely more fun than an automatic. The reason I have a flywheel, flywheel housing and clutch is that I picked up some extras along the way over the years.
    My '65 GS has the original close ratio T-10 in it. It looks like the one in my other two cars, but has a different tail housing specific to the GS and has the high-nickel close ratio gearset in it.
    Where did you get the 3 speed box from? It is hard to find--it is unique to the '64 and '65 Skylarks. It is similar to the ones that came in some of the earlier Chevys, but it has the fine 27 spline output shaft on it that matches the driveshaft in your car and the shift shafts in the side cover are different than the other ones, so if you don't have the right one, the Buick linkage won't connect to it.
     
  5. Andrew

    Andrew Well-Known Member

    Yeah I was just looking in my big Buicks service manual, and its the one that goes in Wildcats. Got it at least ten yrs ago. Just been sittin around. Then I got this "Elderly" woman's Skylark a few months ago. Started thinkin about that old 3 speed...
    Let me know how much $$$ for everything, and what else Ill need to find.
    Thanks for the info.
    -adb
     
  6. Brian

    Brian Displaced VA Hillbilly

    I think I also have a set of pedals and a Z-bar. All you would be missing would be the rod between the pedals and Z-bar, the little bracket that welds to the frame (year one sells them re-pro), the ball stud that screws in the block, and the sheet metal cover that goes on the front of the flywheel housing (I think someone is also reproducing those). You would also have to come up with a throwout bearing, pilot bushing, and those sholulder bolts that hold the pressure plate to the flywheel (all readily available parts).
    I put a steel aftermarket flywheel in my '64, that is where I came up with the extra flywheel. The pressure plate bolts got used with the new flywheel and clutch.
    The clutch and pressure plate are a Borg Warner Brute Power clutch--used, but still in good shape--I opted for a Centerforce clutch when I put the 4-speed in my '65 and took this one back out.
    Oh, and you would also have to buy a set of longer bolts to hold the flywheel to the crank--the ones on your flexplate are too short. I think the same bolts are used on Chevys, so you can buy the correct hardness/length/thread flywheel bolts from a parts store.
    I also have a NOS 3 on the tree backup light swith somewhere in case your car has backup lights on it. Mine didn't, so it had no switch, but I came across a switch at some point and bought it just in case I ever wanted to add them.
    So bottom line, the only hard to find part you need is the rod from the clutch to the pedals.
    I will dig all the stuff out and get back to you. You will have to wait about a week and a half though--I am leaving town tomorrow night for the labor day weekend to visit family, then I have to fly to Chicago with my job next week, so it will be 9/13 before I have a chance to get it all out and get you some pictures. It is all together in one place in my garage. Between now and then I will think over what price I will need for it. I will make you a good deal. Send me an Email at stonesautomotive@Juno.com so I can get back to you directly that way.
     

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