Hmmm.... im sure you would get used to column after a while, but honestly ive drivin 2 different manual columns, and they are just poo. Seriously just terrible.
You can buy a kit to convert them to floor shifts. The old ford column shift is known for getting stuck between 1st and 2nd when they get a bit worn
I can't believe some of you guys - the three on the tree is an Australian Automotive Icon. I learnt to drive in a manual column shift H.Q. and never thought twice about it...I ended up owning the car a few years later and it was still fine...I even taught several female partners how to use the thing...seriously, it's not that hard...the biggest problem that H series column shifters had was a tendancy to occasionally get their linkages a bit jambed up as they got older, but this isn't a hard fix. O.K. they're never going to be a short shifting racing monster, but Shounak has already categorised that this isn't what he is after anyway...not that you can't pull some moves with a column shifter... Perfect for cruising, your hand moves a lot less distance from the wheel when you are changing gear and most importantly it facillitates the inclusion of a bench seat - another design classic. If you want a really poor gear changing set up try driving a Citroen 2CV - 3 speed manual dash mounted H pattern shifter.
Thanks guys. And very good point Struma, the other reason I wanted a column is because they have a bench seat. Much better than two buckets. I've decided to give the panel van above on on eBay a miss. The seller won't post many pictures, even on request. He's mentioned a few things wrong with it (bog and rust), but won't show any close ups. I'd rather not buy something I can't inspect that could be a problem. Time to start hunting for the perfect bomb to do up.
Rust rust and more rust. Around the roof, doors, (rarely) sills. Motors are getting pretty shagged these days. Overall they are very strong but getting good 2nd handies are very hard. Everything else is as cheap as chips. I'd go for a WB project myself each to their own. Reaper
