[unruhjonny]

Originally Posted by spartazoo

Who has seen a three on the tree GTO? I saw a base 66 for sale a few years ago. Needless to say, I was shocked.

Interesting;
I have come to understand that the column shifted three speed manual was reserved for 'low output' engines/drivetrains or trucks;
I wonder what happened for the 1966 model year that this became a thing - but was quickly remedied.

Originally Posted by ID67goat

Not a GTO, but I have a 70 firebird with 3 on the tree.....

Some might think it sick of me, but this is something I'd I'd actually like to have, should ever means and opportunity align;
I realize this was relegated to base/Esprit models with either the inline six, or a 350-2bbl engine - but it would make an interesting, if not stylish cruiser

[Stuart]

Originally Posted by unruhjonny

Interesting;
I have come to understand that the column shifted three speed manual was reserved for 'low output' engines/drivetrains or trucks;
I wonder what happened for the 1966 model year that this became a thing - but was quickly remedied.

Here is a link to the 1966 Pontiac Performance brochure: http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/stati...rmance-20.html It says the column shift three speed was standard, or a heavy duty floor shift three speed could be ordered. So, that would indicate the column shift transmission was not heavy duty - I don't know specifics for A body cars, does that mean a Saginaw transmission instead of an available Dearborn transmission?

edited to add: Interestingly, the link also has data on the Sprint OHC6, which had a three speed floor shift as standard.

[ponyakr]

Like a lot of old country boys, I've driven LOTS of vehicles, with 3-on-the-tree.

We had a Stude car & truck with it. Also had Ford cars & trucks, as well as Chevy & GMC trucks. Also took driver ed in a big Ford, with it. I'd already been driving for over 10 years. But, taking driver ed made my insurance cheaper, for my Dad.

I still remember how the new drivers, especially the girls, would make the car jump & jerk & go dead, some much worse than others.

TJ also took driver ed in a stick Ford. So, she didn't have any problem at all driving 4-speed Muclecars, or the 1-ton car haulers we had. On the street, she didn't have any auto trans street vehicles from '75 thru 2005. Bought a floor shift auto trans '06 Tacoma, which she still has.

But, I've never driven a Pontiac with a tree stick, and have never even seen one, that I remember.

[The Champ]

Originally Posted by ponyakr

But, I've never driven a Pontiac with a tree stick, and have never even seen one, that I remember.

The second car I ever drove was my brother's 1950 Pontiac with a 3 on the tree back in about 1969 - 70...

Who knew that in 40+ years later, I'd actually be working on the same car?

My brother parked the car in 1972 and he passed away in 1993. My sister-in-law kept the car thinking one of her boys might want it until 2011. She lost her storage and asked me if I wanted it. I wasn't sure, but I trailered it home and got it started (on 40 year old gas) with just a battery, six spark plugs and a fan belt.

Ultimatley, after I got it running and safe to drive, I got my nephew to agree to take it. That's what his mother really wanted and I had my fun bring it back to life.

The photo was taken after I got it cleaned up and running. It's 100% original paint and the interior is actually in very good condition.

The car is now in Phoenix with my nephew.

[unruhjonny]

Originally Posted by Stuart

Here is a link to the 1966 Pontiac Performance brochure: http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/stati...rmance-20.html It says the column shift three speed was standard, or a heavy duty floor shift three speed could be ordered. So, that would indicate the column shift transmission was not heavy duty - I don't know specifics for A body cars, does that mean a Saginaw transmission instead of an available Dearborn transmission?

edited to add: Interestingly, the link also has data on the Sprint OHC6, which had a three speed floor shift as standard.

Interesting (I just took a minute to look at the link);
The details page you linked definately shows that a three-on-the-tree is standard, yet on page 16 (here) it shows a "Standard heavy-duty 3-speed with Hurst shifter..." middle colum, far left!?

This must have been a goof up on the part of PMD.

EDIT:, I just took a bit longer, it looks like that was the 2+2 options splash page;
The GTO one is on page 08-09 (here), and it clearly shows that floor shifted three speed as being extra cost;
Still seems silly.