[Jeff Hamlin]

Originally Posted by geeteeohguy;GM also showed the 8-lug wheel on the '66 GTO, and we all know [I

that[/I] didn't happen

Yes but the 8-Lug rendering has an asterisk denoting may not be available, and we all know they wanted to but it just coast way to much.

I'll wait to see. But do agree if these were made where the he!! are they

[GT182]

No 8 lug wheels on the 66 GTO and LeMans as John Delorean and Kelsey-Hayes couldn't come to terms on them, so John said no deal and they were cancelled.

There was company that was making the 15" 8 lug kits. Cost IIRC was around 1500.00, for disc brakes. Here's a thread here on PY about them.....
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...c+8+lug+wheels


I just did a web search but it seems the ones who were making them are no longer to be found. Found this tho on this web site.... "Call bob lundwall ph.# 1-262-284-9837"
from this website......
http://psp.aquacomp.net/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2245


Here's info on the 14" 8 lug wheels from Pontiac Paradise.....
http://www.pontiacparadise.com/parts...lug-wheels.php

[Jeff Hamlin]

Still looking
I have found several '66 Chevelle V8 cars with 3 on the tree.
Not that offers anything to the Pontiac line but FWIW;


I do know the factory 3 speed stick was the same 65-66, poss '64.
I had a '66 Sprint Drop Top that was a column 3 spd.
1st 2 pics are an NOS stick I had.
The last are just showing the differences in '66 for column linkage 6 Vs 8.

[geeteeohguy]

Being in the auto industry since '79, I've worked on plenty of 3-on-the-tree Chevelles. They were common in the early '80's in CA. Usually 6 cylinder or base 283 cars. Never saw an SS396 with one, though, just like I've never seen a GTO with one. I've seen a Tempest or two with the straight six (not the OHC engine...'64-'65) with three-on-the tree, as well. Never a GTO. Again, has anybody on this forum verified/driven one, ever?

[Andre]

I've found the story on the 3 on the tree 66 gto with console and delete. I'll scan and post it tomorrow.

[Andre]

here are the pics from GTO Enthusiast Volume 1, Issue 2 1991

[GT182]

OT but might be pertinent to GTO "oddities". My first 66 GTO's console had wood grain vinyl between the console top and console door's ribbing.... covered everywhere the black paint would be. I've never seen anything like it again, but it looked nice. I doubt it could have been a factory "special order", but it was a professional job none the less. It wasn't ratty looking like an individual would end up with, especially after they ran out of patience. And I sure didn't do it... or it still wouldn't be finished. LOL

[Jeff Hamlin]

Andre'
Thanks for sharing. IMO that is a car deserving the title of RARE.
While not very desirable it is a rare car.

I'm still finding it amazing that factory literature as well as other sources list the column shift 3-spd as "Standard" yet none can be found, (short of that one)
Not just a reference to a possible option that may be available but a full fledged statement on availability.
This is how my buddies and I got into the topic, several boldly saying no way no how, along with myself questioning it due to like so many who have seen, owned and/or parted 1966 GTO's and not recalling ever seeing one in this configuration.
I will ad however that I am one who always says never say never to anything related to automotive builds.

The odd thing in the article is the statement of special ordering the 3 on the tree as apposed to it being listed standard but that may just be the way I'm interpreting it. Clearly the car was ordered base/bare minimum so it may have been just as built vs ordered special ??
That console shifter delete is, umm interesting to say the least

From the resto Guide;

[Jeff Hamlin]

Came across another odd/seldom seen 1966 GTO configuration;

[Jeff Hamlin]

Came across this today but don't have a copy.

In the July 1999 issue of Muscle Car Review, which celebrated "35 years of The Great One", Paul Zazarine wrote in the article "Top 10 Rare Options"

Quote -

"Talk about rare. How about the '66 GTO with base three speed transmission? The shifter was located on the column,. That was the only year Pontiac opted to put the base three-speed on the GTO's column. Every year thereafter the shifter was made by Hurst and was located between the seats."

This was #8 of the top 10 rare options.

What offers to the confusion is in the Resto Guide they mention the Factory verbiage as column shift "standard",
but then in this article refer to it as an option??

[camerjeff]

Originally Posted by Andre

here are the pics from GTO Enthusiast Volume 1, Issue 2 1991

That is the car I remember seeing in person 20 or so years ago at a car show. Very interesting car. I bet the auto shifter blockoff plate may be the rarest Pontiac part I have ever seen.
I saw it before cell phone camera's and didn't have any way to take pictures. The owner said it was a horrible car to drive, and was tempted to swap it for a floor shifter, I hope they didn't.

[Termite3118]

My 67 has been in my family since new. It is an original AT (TH 400)/ 3 Speed Column Shift with Bucket seats and no console.

[JimsSixtySix]

Just noticed the typo in the 6-cyl linkage diagram, it shows both levers coming off the trans. as 2nd and 3rd levers. Neat. Thanks Jeff , you always have great info.

[Jeff Hamlin]

I've always interpreted that as both rods control each gear.
i.e. one up, one down for say 2nd and vise verse for 3rd?
Know very little about 3 on the tree if I'm incorrect someone will chime in...

[77 Canamman]

Originally Posted by Andre

here are the pics from GTO Enthusiast Volume 1, Issue 2 1991

Mecum Kissimmee 2022 Lot F147.1








[/QUOTE]

[johnta1]

So, this is Mike Cooper's old car?
Cool!