The Camaro Club (UK)
http://classiccamaroclub.mfatw.com/

Column Shift or Floor Shift
http://classiccamaroclub.mfatw.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=431
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Author:  smokey [Wed May 13, 2009 10:03 am ]
Post subject:  Column Shift or Floor Shift

Hi all,

I'm looking for a really nice 1968 Camaro (or 67), if anyone has any pointers let me know.

On 1967 and 68 Camaros, what models had the column shift and what had the floor shift?
What would you guys recommend looking for.

Also, was the vinyl roof only on the base models?


thanks.

Author:  starskyknight [Wed May 13, 2009 10:08 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Column Shift or Floor Shift

Hi and welcome to the forum.

I'm sure someone clever will chime in soon.... :ugeek:

Author:  evilzee28 [Wed May 13, 2009 11:11 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Column Shift or Floor Shift

Hi & welcome to the forum. I assume that we're talking manual transmissions here?? If so then the column shift was fitted to 6 cylinder cars, backed by a 3 speed manual trans. In '67, 38,165 had the 155hp turbo thrift 250-cid 6-cyl engine & 3 speed trans, but only 8 apparently exist now, so if you find one then it's a rare old beast. You could get 3 & 4 speed manual transmissions with a floor mounted shifter, but all 4 speeds were floor mounted. The manual boxes were either a Saginaw or Muncie, the Muncie being the toughest of the two. You can tell the difference, as the Saginaw had a cast iron case whereas the Muncies' was aluminium.

There aren't many 6 cylinder cars around nowadays as most of them would have had a V8 dropped into them at somepoint in their lives, so if you're after a 3 speed, column shifted car you'll have a bit of a search on your hands I'm afraid

As to the vinyl top, it was an option that could be ordered at the factory when they were made, so was available for all models. If you're looking at buying a vinyl topped car, check that there are no "lumps" under the vinyl, especially near the seams & close to the chrome edge trim & around the window trims. Any sign of lumps under the vinyl is a pretty good indicator that there's rust underneath. This rust invariably turns to a hole if the vinyl is ever removed. Once removed it's not unusual to find that the screen apertures are totally rusted through. My '69 had a vinyl & showed all of the above hall marks.



As to what car to look for, it really does depend on your budget & whether you're, looking for a restoration project or a car that's on the road already. Good luck with your search & keep us informed if you find the car you want, cheers........Nige

Author:  smokey [Wed May 13, 2009 11:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Column Shift or Floor Shift

Thanks Nige,

I'm actually looking for my Dad, I personally have a Trans Am, but but Dad wants a Camaro.
So were the column shifts available in Auto? or just manual.

I know someone who has a 6 cylinder camaro (but has a 350 V8 in it) with Column shift, just wondered if that's a good package.

Author:  evilzee28 [Wed May 13, 2009 12:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Column Shift or Floor Shift

yes they came as autos as well with a column shift. Nothing wrong with the 6 cylinder with a V8 fitted. The spring rates on the front will most likely be softer if they're original 6 cylinder but should drive fine. The most irritating thing with column shifters is that over the years the linkages wear & it's sometimes hard to get the gears as smoothly as when it was new. What sort of condition/ cost is the car?? hth , cheers......Nige

Author:  britcam68 [Wed May 13, 2009 9:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Column Shift or Floor Shift

Hi Smokey spoke to you and your dad at Battlesbridge show, i had the 68 camaro there.

Good to see you on here its the best place for advice

Cheers...........Tim

P S the wife kept on and on about your trans am, it is nice tho :D

Author:  smokey [Thu May 14, 2009 9:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Column Shift or Floor Shift

Hi Tim,

really good to meet you guys. never mind swine flu, he's got the Camaro bug big time now! :lol:

Next time your down our way, give me a shout and stop by for a cuppa.

Luke

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