Does anyone have any ideas on obtaining a "correct" style 5-speed shift pattern indicator to complete the 5-speed transformation?



Jim (427HotRod) suggested contacting a trophy shop, which I will do. I'm curious if anyone had pursued this, or if you have any suggestions on how to go about this.

Thanks,

Mark

 

I put a richmond 5 speed in my 58. To go along with it I made up a few shift plates with the correct shift pattern. I used a CNC mill to do it. I have access to one so it was free but perhaps you could find a shop that will do it for a modest fee. The program is very easy. You may even find a market for them!

 

They call that "Attention to Detail" !!!! 427hotrod and I talked about this along time ago. Seemed to me he said he had somebody signed up to do it but I guess that was wrong.

I would certainly be a customer. Wanna run this down together and see what we can come up with? What the heck folks are getting sub groups together based on the color of the cars (Black Sheep Squad) why not a "5 Speeders Group. Mark, 427HOTROD and the guy up in Nashville and I could be the first 4 "Charter Members" anyone else who has made the swap already could also join in the "Founders Club" Might be a hoot!!!

I know a street rodder down here in Atlanta (former GM designer now retired) who builds one rod at a time, drives it while he builds another then sells the first rod. I BET he knows somebody. He just designed a billet dash cluster for his current project, a 32 Highboy, and he sent the design to a guy who makes such things for the street rod market. Anyway the manufacturing guy liked it so much he is making what would have been a one of a kind item for my buddies car into a product!!!! My buddy is gonna get a royalty of some nominal amount for creating the design. I just bet he could talk his partner into manufacturing something.

Mark ....see what you come up with and I will check on this end tomorrow or monday.

 

Mark,

When we did our 5-speed conversion I went to a local trophy supply asking them to make a shift plate. At first he didn't want to do it but after a little convincing and encouragement he agreed. I brought him an original to use as a sample for the size and finish. He called the next night with the finished product. As suggested earlier you might want to try a local shop and see if they can do the same thing.

Rich Lagasse

 

Rich

Hope all is well in Connrcticut.

Looks like the chances for returning home are getting better every day,. Is yourguy ready to duplicate some plates for the rest of us? Obviously you are one of the "Founding Fathers of the "Five Speed Gang" Cannot type much more, too much to drink tonight: will get back to you next week. Let us know what your guy can do.

Hopefullly returning to The Nutmeg State SSOOOONN
The Oman

 

Trophy shop just did my 700 R4 shift plate for my `66. $5.00

 

Wombvette:

Think your trophy guy could/would do a 6 speed pattern for my '62? I checked with several local shops and they look at you like you are from Mars. Where did you have yours done? I'm only about 80 miles from New Hill.

 

Ray,

Glad to see that you are working your way back up the coast!

On the shifter plate I'll have to see if I can find the sample I used and get in touch with the trophy shop to see if he is willing to make some more. It was three years ago and I hope that he saved the program he used to make it. I'll let you know.

Rich Lagasse

 

I would love to have one Rich--I haven't got mine installed yet but --Richmond 5- in the garage --66 up on the jackstands --4speed almost out--I just need some mo --can't seem to get off my butt---Anyway . I 'll buy one ! Thanks

 

Me too! Richmond in the garage, Long shifter in the box...very soon, now. I have a sign shop working on a 5-spd console plate for my 57...gave 'em my 4-spd for a pattern...no word yet. I also managed to get another 57 shift lever and will weld/mount it in place of the aftermarket so coming out of the boot everything looks right.....except for that odd shift pattern plate...hmmm....:jester

I might be interested in a C1 version if the sign shop takes much longer (barter has its good and bad points...)

 

Nice to see I'm not alone in this quest! Ray, I'll check this week at a local trophy shop. Rich, I'd also be very interested if your trophy shop still has the program and can make more.

Brief update on the 5-speed after 350 miles: Mileage increased from 7-8 w/ the M-22 and 4.11's to 10 - 11.5 with the RG 5-speed and 3.08's. Upshifts are very sure & quick; wish I could say the same for the downshifts. Still very notchy, requiring an exagerrated 'H' pattern. Highway driving is great, however I can use another gear!!!

I can see a ROD 6-speed in the future. Next time I pull the engine and tranny (which hopefully will not be for a few years) I will likely make the swap. MassVette -- please post your ROD 6-speed pictures!

Take care,

Mark

 

Hey

Just wanted to tell you I think I might have fixed the 5 Speed!!!!! It was just tooo easy.

Indeed the clutch was not correctly adjusted. Went back to the manual. As they say in the computer business RTFM. Anyway I think I have it working. I know that with the engine and trans cold, right outta the garage after sitting for a week or more, it shifts easier than it did before when it had warmed up for awhile. Much less hand effort to engage the gears. Did not drive too far but it seems much better. Time will tell.

Sometimes you get too close to the problem. Both you and someone else tipped me off on clutch adjustment. I had indeed adjusted the clutch pedal higher for my wife some time ago. "Ray can you get the clutch to work a little higher off the floor"? I wondered why she wanted that since she is 5 ft 9 inches tall in her bare feet (yeah don't I wish!!!! Sure no trouble says I, I can move the pedal up for the vertically challenged member of the family.

I had no trouble with crunching before that adjustment and the car has been sitting for awhile. Neither of us drove it for well over a month after the adjustment. Then I go out drive it and start to hear the crunching. Since it was sooooo long since I adjusted the clutch I did not put 2 and 2 together. Not totally sure that this is it but it sure seems better. I figured I would declare victory, sleep better knowing it was fixed and drive it some more tomorrow.

Will advise on the shift pattern plates later in the week.

Ray

 

Sign me up for a plate too!

My guy went out of business... also a trophy maker... and of course took my one good used plate with him!

I'd love to have two because my buddy just got a Nash for his '65!


Jim

 

I thought we talked about this a year or so ago. I am going out to talk to my Street Rodder buddy this morning and see if he has a source. Bet he does.

 

For those interested in the 5-speed shift pattern plate I have been to the trophy shop that made mine. Since it was three years ago they are looking for the "artwork" that I had made when mine was done. Ironically, they had a sample of the plate hung on the wall behind the counter! They will be calling with more information and I'll let you know what they say.

Rich Lagasse

 

Thanks Rich,

I'll hold off contacting a local trophy shop pending your follow-up.

Take care,

Mark

 

Mark and Rich

I was unable to get in touch with my contact this week. He is retired and he is in the shop when he is in and out when he has something else to do! Ahhhh what a life. Anyway sounds good Rich. I will try again next week to develop a back up sourcs in case your guy can't come thru.

Ray

 

I just spoke to the trophy shop. He is still looking for the "artwork" we originally made but will recreate it if he can't find it. He should have them available by June 1st. If you want one just e-mail me with your name and address and I'll put in an order for the total number we need. The cost should be about $6.00 including the mailing and package. I found a padded envelope which should keep them safe during shipping.

Rich Lagasse

 

Guys,

I just picked up the 5-speed shift plates for those who have sent e-mails asking for them. I will be mailing them out in the next couple of days. They came out great and I hope you enjoy them.

Rich Lagasse

 

Well it is looking more and more like I will have the plate in the car and the transmission out of the car. The crunch I spoke about has migrated down into 3rd gear now. I think I need some work in the clutch area.

Just the thought of pulling that trans out gives me a headache.

Thanks for all your help on this, apparently this little club is a rather small group but I think it is gonna be cool looking down at the plate.

No word on travel to Ct. yet.

Also public appology. Boy I feel dumb. Never sent you anything for the postage. You do all the leg work finding a source and picking up the darn things and I stiff you on the postage?? Will correct that oversight.