C1 3-Speed Shifter

[Richard H.]

What is the difference between 3-Speed Shifter's, i.e. chrome handle, used for 58 vs those for 59 and up? I believe one is curved and the other is straight, but not sure. Thanks. Richard

[Steve Junkersfeld]

Re: C1 3-Speed Shifter

Richard, The early shifters have the straight handle. Someone more knowledgable may correct me on this, but I believe 56 and 57 are staright and 58 began the angled shifter stick. Steve

[Robert Willis]

Re: C1 3-Speed Shifter

I thought 56s were straight and then in 57 they were curved to keep your hand from hitting the dash on a quick shift. Bob

[John H.]

Re: C1 3-Speed Shifter

The '57 manual shift lever was also straight.

[Robert Willis]

Re: C1 3-Speed Shifter

The CC Catolog lists 56 by it's self and 57-8 3 speed as another shifter. Did the 58s have a straight lever also or were there early and late 57s ? Bob

[John H.]

Re: C1 3-Speed Shifter

I suspect the different listings are due to the shifters being a "kit" that includes the shift knob; the '56 3-speed "kit" has a chrome knob, and the '57-'58 "kit" has a different knob. The shifters are identical. You will also note that they list the same 4-speed shifter "kit" for '57-'58, as both used the same straight lever and white knob.