63 hawk

[cccpl5741]

I just purcahsed a 63 Hawk that I will pick up next week.It is a 3 speed overdrive and I am thinking about changing the column shifter to a floor shifter. I have been told that it can be done, but that the overdrive solinoid gets in the way and a bracket must be fabricated and the rods altered. Has anyone had experience with this and is it a reasonable change to make? The car also does not have a tach. Do any of the modern aftermarket tachs fit? any suggestions? The car never had a radio...where should the antenna be mounted?

Thanks
Ralph

[JDP]

First, I don't recommend a floor shift nor a after market tach unless you don't care about hurting the resale value. A floor shift can be added, but it will require some custom work and some new column parts unless you intend to leave the shift handle on the column. Factory tachs are easy to find and although more expensive, won't effect the value. I don't mean to lecture you about your own car, it's just that I have to undo all the "kiddie car" add-ons when I prep cars for resale. The antenna goes on the left front fender, get the template before you drill.

JDP/Maryland
64 Daytona HT/R2 clone
64 GT R2
63 Lark 2 door
52 & 53 Starliner
51 Commander

[cccpl5741]

I don't disagree with your points. I would only do the floor shift if it could be done as the 4 speed was with the proper handle and replacing the collar on the steering column with one from a 4speed car. I had been told, and maybe erroniously so, that there are after market tachs that look the same as the original. Also the question of using an original tach with later "guts" in it. If it is not a good idea, I would find an original. My focus is to leave the car looking as original as possible but with improvements where appropriate.

Thanks for your input.
Ralph

[Guido]

I am with JP that you probably do not want to cut up a good car to make the conversion. Your best bet is to find a rusty worn out 4 speed car with a full dash and make the conversion from that. Your profile does not indicate where you are, but I have a good running '62 GT with a 4 speed, full dash and a Twin Traction rear in Virginia that can be had reasonably.

[JDP]

The 56-61 tachs are a close match to some current tachs, not so with the 61-64 GT's.

JDP/Maryland
64 Daytona HT/R2 clone
64 GT R2
63 Lark 2 door
52 & 53 Starliner
51 Commander