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Thread: 63 swap trans

  1. #1

    63 swap trans

    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

  2. #2
    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.
    Nathan and Jen Cooper
    63 Sprint Hardtop "Dollora"
    63 Super deluxe squire wagon "Mayble"
    * this spot is vacant for future project*

  3. #3
    I just happen to have a C-4 with a 5 bolt housing if that what you need...jh

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Eagle Point OR
    Posts
    55
    If you are deciding to get rid of the 3spd, I may be interested. I am wanting to put a stick in my wagon...
    Let me know.
    No matter where you go, there you are...

  5. #5
    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
    Nathan and Jen Cooper
    63 Sprint Hardtop "Dollora"
    63 Super deluxe squire wagon "Mayble"
    * this spot is vacant for future project*

  6. #6
    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/in...oducts_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-1...r#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.
    Roger Moore

    63 "Flarechero"
    powered by: 347ci stroker | Tremec T5 | 8" 3:45 TracLoc rear



  7. #7
    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

  8. #8
    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.
    Roger Moore

    63 "Flarechero"
    powered by: 347ci stroker | Tremec T5 | 8" 3:45 TracLoc rear



  9. #9
    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

  10. #10
    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
    Nathan and Jen Cooper
    63 Sprint Hardtop "Dollora"
    63 Super deluxe squire wagon "Mayble"
    * this spot is vacant for future project*

  11. #11
    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.
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Roger Moore

    63 "Flarechero"
    powered by: 347ci stroker | Tremec T5 | 8" 3:45 TracLoc rear



  12. #12
    Essentially, a 260 or early 289 had 5-bolt blocks. 6-bolt blocks are far preferred if you're hunting parts.
    Roger Moore

    63 "Flarechero"
    powered by: 347ci stroker | Tremec T5 | 8" 3:45 TracLoc rear



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