T-86(?) shift pattern question

[Boardhoarder]

Hi all,

I have a 259/T-86 (Actually, I believe it's a T-86, haven't verified this) that has been transplanted into my '50 2R p/u (bought it that way). My question pertains to the shift pattern -it seems a bit weird. It is a typical "H" pattern, but laid out like this:


R.......3



1.......2


Is this correct? The shifter is on the floor, but I don't think that pattern is correct even if it had been converted over from a column shift -right?

Thanks in advance to anyone that can shed a little light on this...

-Boardhoarder

[Alan]

The only one that can shed a light on it is you. get under it and look on the drivers side center of the case and read the raised cast numbers right under the top cover. look at the levers on the floor shifter but 1st and reverse are on the same arm comming out of the case. Second and high are on the same arm. Now I have seen some stupid things done with shifters in the 50's and 60's so nothing would supprise me. Oh! and pictures please.

[Roscomacaw]

Yeah, it ought to be...

R.....2



1.....3



Miscreant at large.

1957 Transtar 1/2ton
1960 Larkvertible V8
1958 Provincial wagon
1953 Commander coupe
1957 President 2-dr
1955 President State
1951 Champion Biz cpe
1963 Daytona project FS

[Mike]

It sounds like the lever on the side of the trans for 1 & R points up, as it should; but the lever for 2 & 3 points down. Sometimes people did that because linkage wouldn't clear if they installed it the right way. It's a little dangerous. Wind out in first, grab third and get rear ended at a lite; or shift from third to second and go through the winshield.
Mike M.

[Boardhoarder]

Thanks a lot for all your replys. It sounds like Mike might be on to something here -the lever for 2nd/3rd does indeed point down. It looks like clearance issues may have been the reason, but I'm not sure. I've got the tranny hump access panel off anyway, so I should be able to flip the arm relatively easily and see what happens.

Pretty rainy today Alan, so I didn't get to layin' on the ground and getting the numbers off the case -will do that this weekend.

Oh, and Mike...your remark about shifting from 3rd to 2nd and getting thrown into the windshield...yeah, that happened in a BIG way the first time I drove the truck! Would've been nice if the previous owner had alerted me to this (and many other ridiculous things he did that I'm still sorting out), but I guess he'd thought I'd figure it out...

-Boardhoarder

[sumf]

In the service I once drove a (borrowed) truck with a shifter along those lines. I understand that having the highway gear on top makes it more comfortable for who's riding shotgun - but confusing for the new driver and a bit slower shifting.

If you don't mind it, no need to bother with going through the change.

sumf

quote:Originally posted by Boardhoarder

Thanks a lot for all your replys. It sounds like Mike might be on to something here -the lever for 2nd/3rd does indeed point down. It looks like clearance issues may have been the reason, but I'm not sure. I've got the tranny hump access panel off anyway, so I should be able to flip the arm relatively easily and see what happens.

Pretty rainy today Alan, so I didn't get to layin' on the ground and getting the numbers off the case -will do that this weekend.

Oh, and Mike...your remark about shifting from 3rd to 2nd and getting thrown into the windshield...yeah, that happened in a BIG way the first time I drove the truck! Would've been nice if the previous owner had alerted me to this (and many other ridiculous things he did that I'm still sorting out), but I guess he'd thought I'd figure it out...

-Boardhoarder