1962 valiant shifter change

[MLP]

Hello to all fellow Moparniacs!
I'm changing my 62 valiant from a column shift to a 3 on the floor. according to the Bible 60 and 61 offered the 3 speed on the floor but in 62 the Valiant went to the column shift manual trans and did not offer the floor shift for that year. Can anyone tell me how or perhaps show me pics of the tranny, shifter, linkage, and from what the Bible says mounting system,bracket/s used to mount the shifter on the 60 or 61 valiant of which did come with the 3speed on the floor transmission. I believe it was as mine is the A903. Long story short can't find any diagrams, pics, solid info. HELP!!!
THANKS, MLP

 

[Killer6]

Hello to all fellow Moparniacs!
I'm changing my 62 valiant from a column shift to a 3 on the floor. according to the Bible 60 and 61 offered the 3 speed on the floor but in 62 the Valiant went to the column shift manual trans and did not offer the floor shift for that year. Can anyone tell me how or perhaps show me pics of the tranny, shifter, linkage, and from what the Bible says mounting system,bracket/s used to mount the shifter on the 60 or 61 valiant of which did come with the 3speed on the floor transmission. I believe it was as mine is the A903. Long story short can't find any diagrams, pics, solid info. HELP!!!
THANKS, MLP

Hey there MLP, welcome to FABO!! The guy with a lot of vintage parts catalogs & diagrams is @slantsixdan , if He sees this and has them I'm sure he will post them for You.
And if He doesn't He usually has a link to send You to where they can be found.

 

[barbee6043]

Hey there MLP, welcome to FABO!! The guy with a lot of vintage parts catalogs & diagrams is @slantsixdan , if He sees this and has them I'm sure he will post them for You.
And if He doesn't He usually has a link to send You to where they can be found.

Yes Dan is the Man!!!!

I have a 62 Lancer 3 on tree and i will make this change. I believe you will find your 3 speed trans as no provision for a shifter. I have read the 60-610 Toads, the floor shift did not work well. So they eliminated it for 62. You might be lucky and have a trans on your car with the shifter mount on tailshaft.??

Possibilities? 3 speed set up out of A or F body, A833OD with bell and shifter out of A or F body, 64-6 ? slant bell and A body A833.

I have an A833 OD (short shaft trans) with bell , shifter and box from ?? I will use. I have a floor hump from a B body I will have to trim to fit. I might have to change the Z bar some??

 

[MLP]

Yes Dan is the Man!!!!

I have a 62 Lancer 3 on tree and i will make this change. I believe you will find your 3 speed trans as no provision for a shifter. I have read the 60-610 Toads, the floor shift did not work well. So they eliminated it for 62. You might be lucky and have a trans on your car with the shifter mount on tailshaft.??

Possibilities? 3 speed set up out of A or F body, A833OD with bell and shifter out of A or F body, 64-6 ? slant bell and A body A833.

I have an A833 OD (short shaft trans) with bell , shifter and box from ?? I will use. I have a floor hump from a B body I will have to trim to fit. I might have to change the Z bar some??

Yep all you say is gospel. I want the, which would be correct if done in 62, a rap over bench shifter, original. No after market in the Vride. She's in surgery at the moment but will post some pics as soon as she's back on her treads!
ZOOMZOOM!
MLP

 

[MLP]

Hey there MLP, welcome to FABO!! The guy with a lot of vintage parts catalogs & diagrams is @slantsixdan , if He sees this and has them I'm sure he will post them for You.
And if He doesn't He usually has a link to send You to where they can be found.

Killer6 you da man! Thanks for the insight and the info will post picks when she's back on the road!
MLP

 

[slantsixdan]

What version of the "Bible" are we talking about here? I don't recall anything in mine about '60-'62 Valiants, regardless of shift lever location.

The '60-'61 floor shifter worked great; the only complaints about it were that it was hard for some drivers to reach 2nd gear in early-production '60 Valiants, so the end of the lever was lengthened a bit. The column shifter was not adopted because the floor shifter sucked, it was done so the marketeers could babble about seating for six. The column shifter is inferior to the floor shifter.

As for how to convert: Good question. It's not a conversion I ever attempted, though I'm pretty sure others have done so. Get with Michael [screen name] over at slantsix.org and ask him about it. Here's the '61 FPC page showing the shifter and components in exploded view; there'll be more diagrams and descriptions in the '60 and '61 FSMs (which I no longer have, but which will be necessary for doing or investigating this conversion.

 

[MLP]

This is a great start. Wish I could see something showing it all together.
And a picture of the hump would help.
Can you direct me as to where I could find such info? This diagram is a huge step, you are very much a big help!
Thank you Sir!!!
ZOOMZOOM, MLP

 

[MLP]

What version of the "Bible" are we talking about here? I don't recall anything in mine about '60-'62 Valiants, regardless of shift lever location.

The '60-'61 floor shifter worked great; the only complaints about it were that it was hard for some drivers to reach 2nd gear in early-production '60 Valiants, so the end of the lever was lengthened a bit. The column shifter was not adopted because the floor shifter sucked, it was done so the marketeers could babble about seating for six. The column shifter is inferior to the floor shifter.

As for how to convert: Good question. It's not a conversion I ever attempted, though I'm pretty sure others have done so. Get with Michael [screen name] over at slantsix.org and ask him about it. Here's the '61 FPC page showing the shifter and components in exploded view; there'll be more diagrams and descriptions in the '60 and '61 FSMs (which I no longer have, but which will be necessary for doing or investigating this conversion.

View attachment 1715119007

Biggest reason for the change is the column shift is sloppy and not worth continuing to chase. The support bracket I assume is where the shifter mounts? The other bracket shown in your diagram from the fpc is a bit confusing in regards to location and what it does. The boot located/listed under the support in the diagram I assume slips up over the shifter levers and screws to the bottom of the support? The shaft that slides into the divider on the shifter I assume is what mounts the shifter to the support?

These as you can see are assumptions. Trying to make since of it. This info from you has allowed me to confirm that all of the parts that I have are correct. Pieces I'm missing are the support and the bottom boot.
Would like to locate them but if necessary can fabricate the support if I could see exactly how it all goes together

 

[MLP]

Biggest reason for the change is the column shift is sloppy and not worth continuing to chase. The support bracket I assume is where the shifter mounts? The other bracket shown in your diagram from the fpc is a bit confusing in regards to location and what it does. The boot located/listed under the support in the diagram I assume slips up over the shifter levers and screws to the bottom of the support? The shaft that slides into the divider on the shifter I assume is what mounts the shifter to the support?

These as you can see are assumptions. Trying to make since of it. This info from you has allowed me to confirm that all of the parts that I have are correct. Pieces I'm missing are the support and the bottom boot.
Would like to locate them but if necessary can fabricate the support if I could see exactly how it all goes togetherView attachment 1715119030 View attachment 1715119031 View attachment 1715119034

One more Mopar piece missing is the correct hump. Need it as well?

Cheers, MLP

 

[MLP]

Yes Dan is the Man!!!!

I have a 62 Lancer 3 on tree and i will make this change. I believe you will find your 3 speed trans as no provision for a shifter. I have read the 60-610 Toads, the floor shift did not work well. So they eliminated it for 62. You might be lucky and have a trans on your car with the shifter mount on tailshaft.??

Possibilities? 3 speed set up out of A or F body, A833OD with bell and shifter out of A or F body, 64-6 ? slant bell and A body A833.

I have an A833 OD (short shaft trans) with bell , shifter and box from ?? I will use. I have a floor hump from a B body I will have to trim to fit. I might have to change the Z bar some??

Hey Barbee, thanks for the info!
Was an excellent start to helping me see the actual parts. Now I'm looking for diagrams, pics, any info on how it all fits together. Posted some pics of the tranny, linkage, shifter, ECT. That I have. Still need the correct hump, support bracket and under-support boot. Would love to see something on how it looks all together!!!
ZOOMZOOM, MLP

 

[slantsixdan]

This is a great start. Wish I could see something showing it all together.
And a picture of the hump would help.
Can you direct me as to where I could find such info?

In the '60 Valiant or '61 Lancer FSM.

 

[MLP]

In the '60 Valiant or '61 Lancer FSM.

Obviously! Was hoping someone out there had something like what you sent me in diagram or picture form showing the entire unit together installed. I wonder if Chrysler would have something available. Don't want to spend $60 or more on a manual that I will only open, look at 1 or 2 pictures and never look at again. I have the original 1962 manual aka Bible that has no reference to our conversation which to me makes no sense. It talks about the /6, 318 poly and the 361 engines and the B bodies that did come with a floorshift yet no description, diagram! Hate when that happens. SO CLOSE YET SO FAR AWAY!

 

[Killer6]

Obviously! Was hoping someone out there had something like what you sent me in diagram or picture form showing the entire unit together installed. I wonder if Chrysler would have something available. Don't want to spend $60 or more on a manual that I will only open, look at 1 or 2 pictures and never look at again. I have the original 1962 manual aka Bible that has no reference to our conversation which to me makes no sense. It talks about the /6, 318 poly and the 361 engines and the B bodies that did come with a floorshift yet no description, diagram! Hate when that happens. SO CLOSE YET SO FAR AWAY!

Then I would try starting another thread titled "Calling all '60-'61 Toads-Need Pics", or something to that effect, that will get owners of such's attn.

 

[MLP]

Then I would try starting another thread titled "Calling all '60-'61 Toads-Need Pics", or something to that effect, that will get owners of such's attn.

Yes! Thanks!
I'm new to this forum and thread stuff.
High-tech challenged. I restore old Mopar and old sport fishing boats so anything newer than 1973-73 is new to me, LoL!! Thanks a bunch for your help and again the parts diagram you sent me was a huge kick in the right direction. Yesteryearmotorcars.com
MLP

 

[Killer6]

Yes! Thanks!
I'm new to this forum and thread stuff.
High-tech challenged. I restore old Mopar and old sport fishing boats so anything newer than 1973-73 is new to me, LoL!! Thanks a bunch for your help and again the parts diagram you sent me was a huge kick in the right direction. Yesteryearmotorcars.com
MLP

Well, slantsixdan gets the credit for the diagrams, and You might also want to join slantsix.org as there are many early A owners over there and ask for the same. You will
find Dan and I over there as well, good luck!

 

[MLP]

Yes! Thanks!
I'm new to this forum and thread stuff.
High-tech challenged. I restore old Mopar and old sport fishing boats so anything newer than 1973-73 is new to me, LoL!! Thanks a bunch for your help and again the parts diagram you sent me was a huge kick in the right direction. Yesteryearmotorcars.com
MLP

Killer6 I think I have you mixed up with /6Dan, sorry but your kick got me started so thanks to you everyone else as well.
Will post pics of before and final results asap!
ZoomZoom, MLP

 

[MLP]

Well, slantsixdan gets the credit for the diagrams, and You might also want to join slantsix.org as there are many early A owners over there and ask for the same. You will
find Dan and I over there as well, good luck!

Yep just joined /6.org this morning.
Thanks again! Talk to you soon.
MLP

 

[Killer6]

Yep just joined /6.org this morning.
Thanks again! Talk to you soon.
MLP

Awesome, also it occurred to Me to hit up our photo garages at the top of the page, then type '60 or '61 Valiant or Lancer in the search bar in the upper right. May be lots
of project photos there of floor pans etc.

 

[MLP]

Awesome, also it occurred to Me to hit up our photo garages at the top of the page, then type '60 or '61 Valiant or Lancer in the search bar in the upper right. May be lots
of project photos there of floor pans etc.[/QUOT

Might just contact Chrysler see what they might have. They have help me in the past acquiring build sheets fendertags and other documentation for other projects.
YesteryearMotorcars.com
MLP

 

[barbee6043]

In the '60 Valiant or '61 Lancer FSM.

I believe DAN is saying that in '62 all Lancers and Valiants had gone strickly to manual COLUMN shift if I am not confused. One thing to consider is how well this early setup actually shifts.
For instance, Mopar changed over to the Hurst shifter from the previously used Inland setup. Hurst shifts much better ..IMO

Also you will find there are not near as many owners of 60-2 Valiants, Lancers as are owners of later models. Info is not near as available, but guys llke Dan knw their stuff!!!

These "Toads" have man unique difference as to the later A bodies. A FSM really comes in handy. I need one but like you I hate to pay $60 for the sucker!! Some manuals can be downloaded off MY Mopar.com but I do not think this is one available.

Yes Slantsix.org is great site and people, like here. You will find more info regarding Toads (NO disrespect meant!)..there but not as active site as here. You will get the hang of using these sites, takes time. I am like you, computer challenged somewhat.

 

[MLP]

I believe DAN is saying that in '62 all Lancers and Valiants had gone strickly to manual COLUMN shift if I am not confused. One thing to consider is how well this early setup actually shifts.
For instance, Mopar changed over to the Hurst shifter from the previously used Inland setup. Hurst shifts much better ..IMO

Also you will find there are not near as many owners of 60-2 Valiants, Lancers as are owners of later models. Info is not near as available, but guys llke Dan knw their stuff!!!

These "Toads" have man unique difference as to the later A bodies. A FSM really comes in handy. I need one but like you I hate to pay $60 for the sucker!! Some manuals can be downloaded off MY Mopar.com but I do not think this is one available.

Yes Slantsix.org is great site and people, like here. You will find more info regarding Toads (NO disrespect meant!)..there but not as active site as here. You will get the hang of using these sites, takes time. I am like you, computer challenged somewhat.[/QUOTE

Correct, the 62 A body did not offer the floorshift. Only the column shift or the pushbutton. But the B and C bodies did..
Just can't find any solid info online. Used to be able to but no more.
If I can't get something together by Monday I will call Chrysler, maybe they can help. Mother C usually has the answer!
Cheers,MLP

 

[Bill Crowell]

From the '60 Valiant FSM: the image is apparently too big to display full-size on this board, so here's a full-size copy on my Dropbox site (just "X" out unwanted Dropbox stuff until it displays the image):

Dropbox - Valiant shifter.jpg

 

[slantsixdan]

The thread on slantsix.org reminds us the '60-'61 cars had the transmission rotated (slanted!) to allow room for the shift linkage without need of a floor hump, and the '62 cars did not. I still say you ought to get with "Michael" over on .org for particulars.

 

[MLP]

The thread on slantsix.org reminds us the '60-'61 cars had the transmission rotated (slanted!) to allow room for the shift linkage without need of a floor hump, and the '62 cars did not. I still say you ought to get with "Michael" over on .org for particulars.

 

[MLP]

LOL!!! Dan after all these years I should know by now that the brain gets in the way of the gut feeling at times. While setting up the tranny pictured on the post I kept looking at the other unit that I had just pulled the bellhousing off of thinking OK now we are getting somewhere yet my gut kept telling me that the other unit with the universal bellhousing was the one. In fact it is the blue unit laying behind the in the back of the truck behind the assembled unit pictured in my posts. Yes it does lean/ slant is cocked off to the driverside. Also in the original floor pan there is an impression for a cutout for the shifter. That is what really gave me that gut thing while the brain had my body going in the direction pictured in posts. You sir are a wealth of knowledge and as I, never say die. Mr Crowell has sent me FSM PICS of everything I needed from 1960 valiant lancer.

To everyone from killer6, Barbee, you, and Mr. Crowell and everyone else this was truly a team effort, what a country!! I can't thank you enough. Only one concern left. I believe that it's only original once and if it never existed do it like, if it did, do what the factory probably would have done. With that said, my concern is how much better is this shifter system with all the brackets and angles than the column shift system. It is definitely a shorter travel system and seems a bit more sturdy.

Hail to the Moparniacs! My father is gonna love one, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

MLP