How to shift the COLUMBIA?
- Thread starter 46ford
- Start date
Kurt in NJ
Well-known member
Original columbias have clutch valve to prevent shifting without the clutch pedal being pushed down
Without knowing how it was modified it will be hard to say which way the knob goes
Go about 30-35 push down the clutch and shift it ---always push clutch to shift either way
Without knowing how it was modified it will be hard to say which way the knob goes
Go about 30-35 push down the clutch and shift it ---always push clutch to shift either way
Jim Brierley
Well-known member
I converted mine to cable-shift years ago, by drilling into the center of the vacuum can, at the outer end and the rod inside. Clamped the outer part of he cable to the can with a brass fitting, and the inner pare to the shaft using set screws. I assume yours is the same??? With the cable pushed in, the Colombia is in the low ratio, pull to engage OD. I find that pushing in the clutch and moving the the lever in (forward), pausing briefly halfway in, then go all the way in works well when going into OD. To go back into low range, just push in the clutch and pull the lever back quickly. Try this at low speeds to get the hang of it, you won't hurt anything. Always disengage the clutch first. Enjoy!
Jim Brierley
Well-known member
step-down, I'm not good at posting pics, especially on his forum. My cable is in the exact center of the can, at the outer end, secured by a standard brass fitting, like you would use on copper tubing, drill through the can and put a thin nut on the inside. Inside I drilled a hole longitudally about 1" deep into the shift rod, and 2 set screws from the side to hold the inner part of the cable. No problems with it in 40+ years.
