55 Auto to Manual Conversion

[ykf7b0]

I am trying to source clutch linkage parts for my 55 and I want to remove the th350 and install a 4 speed manual. My car already has the manual pedal assembly and the shaft on the frame for the z bar. Are the z bars the same for all Chevy?s or are they year/body style specific? I have an opportunity to buy a complete set up from a 71 Chevelle. Can I use it?

[markm]

They are model specific, even different between 55 and 57, I would use all 57 stuff if possible.

[Rick_L]

Chevelle parts won't work.

The clutch linkage parts are different for each year, 55-57. Far as I know only the 57 stuff has the whole set reproduced.

The part of the 55-56 sets that's not reproduced is the clutch fork and the linkage rod that goes from the z-bar to the clutch fork. However you can use the 57 clutch fork and lower linkage rod with the 55 or 56 z-bar. The 57 fork is a better design anyway. East Coast Chevy in PA sells the parts.

[ykf7b0]

Thanks to you both!!! Merry Christmas!!!!

[Rustaddict]

Here's another suggestion to buy new 57 clutch linkage and be done with it

[Rick_L]

The problem with using a 57 z-bar in a 55-56 car is the pivot ball is larger on a 57, so a 57 z-bar will have slop on the smaller 55-56 pivot ball unless you make a bushing or change the pivot ball.

[markm]

The bell crank or Z bar on my 55 had to have the inner bar cut off and moved out to clear the oil filter as 55 did not have one.

[ykf7b0]

I have just bought a Borg Warner Super T-10 four speed for my 55 but I need a shifter assembly for a bench seat. Recommendations with numbers?

[Rocketman]

If you are going to keep the bench seat you will need the C handle made for Tri 5's. You can find some used ones on ebay. Then you will have to have the correct mounting brackets for a T-10.

[ykf7b0]

Any idea if this ITM shifter that came on the trans will work. I knew I needed the C handle (thanks!) no matter which shifter assembly was used. I just want to get the correct assembly that works with my bench seat and aligns correctly.

[markm]

I own a couple ITM shifters for second gen Camaros they suck in their original application and are not worth the powder and lead to blow them to hell. My # match 74 Z28 was missing this pile of shit in 80 when I bought it.

[ykf7b0]

Mine seems to shift the trans just fine and if I can use it in the 55 I will. I'm thinking of modifying a Hurst C shifter handle to fit the ITM.

[markm]

I serously doubt something designed for a second gen Camaro with bucket seats will clear a bench seat in a 55. More inportant is how handle moves up and down for reverse. The C handle Hurst does not do that.

[Rustaddict]

The thing is, the clearance is so tight between the floor and the bench seat that it dosent really leave much room for the modifications you'd need to do. If your money is tight, it is possible to find the correct shifter used. Make sure to get one with the correct stick. Hurst sells a bolt on C stick they claim works, but people who have tried them say they are arent built right to clear the seat.

[Rick_L]

Hurst sells a bolt on C stick they claim works

Actually, Hurst doesn't claim the bolt on C stick works. Inexperienced and unknowing customers and tire kickers claim it works. It doesn't. There is a reason that the shifter Hurst sells as a shifter for a 55-57 bench seat car doesn't have a bolt on stick like virtually all other Hurst shifters - it won't clear the seat unless they built it that way. If you have a bolt on stick it will interfere with the bottom of the seat frame.