3 Speed Shifter

[Brooks G.]

Can anyone tell me the difference between 3 speed transmission shifters used in 1956 and 1957? Thanks in advance.

Brooks Glover Jr.

[Mark P.]

Re: 3 Speed Shifter

I saw none of the experts responded, so you get a non-expert opinion. Sorry about that. Anyway, from what I have seen, the 56 3 speed has a smaller, more rectangular top "gate" area. The 57 3 speed top opening is more square. There are other slight differences, but that one is the most obvious. Hope that helps a little.

Mark

[Gary C.]

Re: 3 Speed Shifter

Brooks and Mark, attached copy of the Corvette transmission/shifter page from a P&A with note about when the large notch started. Believe Ken Kayser once told me (but might not be correct since I have CRS) that the larger shift gate correlated to 4 speed shifter production since they would only have to produce one housing or bracket as the drawings call it. Have never compared a late '57 3 speed to a '57 4 speed housing to see if there were any differences. Note the external spring on the passenger side of the shifter housing that was used until approx 1/1/57 when it was changed to the "u" spring in between the lever and the shifter housing. Gary....