63 swap trans

[63dreama]

Hey all
I have a 63 convertible 260 with a 3 speed column shift
I want to swap to an auto so my wife will drive it
Interested in opinions and if anyone can tell me any pro's and cons
I am thinking of using a c4 trans but Im unsure whether to try ad adapt my steering column to keep the change point at the wheel or to put in a floor shift
Any advice would be appreciated
cheers
Paul

[Nathan289]

Paul,

First thing I would do is verify if the 260 is truely a 260. If the engine has been swapped with a later year 289 somewhere down the road it will make you transmission swap easier.

If the 260 is original then, to use a c4 you first have to locate the one year only 5 bolt c4 transmission bellhousing. I've seen them on ebay usually around $125.
Other wise you are limited to the fordomatic 2 speed automatic which was used for 3 years.

The floor shifter would be an easier option as locating all the column parts could be difficult but then I could be wrong.. I have seen people selling the whole steering column.

[falcon cobra]

I just happen to have a C-4 with a 5 bolt housing if that what you need...jh

[Nathan289]

I'd also be interested in the clutch linkage from your old set up.
As I'm wanting to go 2speed auto to 5speed manual.

Nathan

[61ranch]

If you are deciding to get rid of the 3spd, I may be interested. I am wanting to put a stick in my wagon...[thumb]
Let me know.

[Luva65wagon]

I would also recommend a floor shifter, which you can get to mount to the tail-shaft housing and come up in the middle of the hump. Something like this:

http://kingtuttonline.com/~rjays2/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=102_231_237_238_239&products_id=1509

You can also hit the wrecking yards for something cable driven.

And then get a shift delete for the column by keeping an eye on eBay. I've done that to 3 vehicles already and it looks way better than trying to hide the big hole on the column. 64-66 Mustangs and Mid-60-to-early-70 F-series Ford trucks with floor shift used these. I've found buying the entire column the best way to get the parts. Seems they want to charge you more when they know you need them for a shift-delete application. Like this one, which they only want $40 for on a buy-it-now.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/H-USED-OEM-1965-1966-Ford-Mustang-Steering-Column-NICE-/120857311919?hash=item1c23a83aaf&item=120857311919&pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr#ht_500wt_922

That's exactly what I used on the Flarechero. This also deletes the hole in the engine compartment for where the shift levers come through.

[63dreama]

Hey guys
Looks like i will have to sort a few things first as I need to make sure I dont bog down after I start

Nathan and Ranch Im afraid I cant help you with the parts you are chasing
bit far to freight them boys
Im in Australia
Welcome to come and pick em up though I will even put you up for a few nights and shout beers
If I travel the floor shift method which does seem the easier option I was thinking of using a mustang shifter can you guys see any probs here
thanks for your help so far
cheers
Paul

[Luva65wagon]

I used a regular Mustang floor shifter in my '62 (going back to my high school years). Pretty simple and is setup for that tranny. I assume then that you have the right-hand version being you are in Australia?

Send up a couple pictures of what you're working on when you get a chance.

[63dreama]

the car is from california
and is still left hand drive ( and will stay that way)
i thought it had the original 260 in it but Im pretty sure I have a 6 bolt bell housing so Im confused
is there any other way to Id the difference between a 260 and a 289
cheers
Paul

[Nathan289]

Pull the starter and verify the casting number on the block. If its a c6 or higher its 289 or 302.. if its c5 or lower it could be 260 or 289 but they would both have 5 bolt.
the 65/66 block dating thing isn't 100% accurate but it should be close.

Otherwise you could pull a cylinder head and measure the bore.. 260s are 3.8 and 289 are 4 inch bores

Nathan

[Luva65wagon]

Early small-blocks were 5-bolts holding the bell-housing to the block and later (less rare) had 6-bolts holding the bell-housing to the block. The spacing of a 5-bolt housing across the top of the motor is like 7" compared to about 6 for a 6-bolt. There are exact measurements out on the web somewhere, but I haven't found them yet.

[Luva65wagon]

Essentially, a 260 or early 289 had 5-bolt blocks. 6-bolt blocks are far preferred if you're hunting parts.