4 speed floor hump for 66 - 67 B body (product review)
4SPEED427 said
Mar 10, 2018
I'm working on my 4 speed conversion. I bought the repro floor hump because I just don't see spending close to $400 US for a good used one. They bring stupid money when they come up for sale.
To say the repro is a piece of crap would be an understatement. Thanks to 2qwik2c, I have an original on loan to see where it fits and how it should look. I spent 2 full frustrating hours metal working the repro just to make it fit the floor. Now I will likely weld the hump opening up completely and cut the new hole the proper size, proper shape, in the PROPER place.... In the pictures, take note of the contour where it meets the floor pan, as well as the shifter opening..
But, it's the repro or nothing if I don't want to spend $400 US. Just a warning to anyone doing a conversion. Thankfully, I was warned it's a piece of junk so I wasn't disappointed when I got it.
That's terrible! Fun fact- Studebaker used fiberglass for their 4 speed humps. I wonder if you could make one out of fibreglass using an original as a mold? Just cover it in wax paper and you're good to go.
Pic of Studebaker hump (top left).
4SPEED427 said
Mar 10, 2018
The shifter opening appears to have been cut freehand with a plasma cutter, no template. Brutal.
65wagon said
Mar 10, 2018
so youre saying I should make a second one, another member wants one I don't know how they will turn out I hear they are a pain
4SPEED427 said
Mar 10, 2018
I have this one fitting very nice now but what an ugly job making it fit.
Did you build one from scratch? I can't even imagine how much work that would be.
Are you available for a phone call? I'd like to give you a call. Can you send me a private message?
65wagon said
Mar 10, 2018
I fixed the one on the wagon , used bits for a auto to make it work, but I would like to change it, I took the one off my rag, the body was done found a rust free part for it so I have a template to produce one, I know the guy in the states gave up producing them, ill pm you.
2qwik2c said
Mar 10, 2018
Yikes, that's crazy how poorly those are made.
4SPEED427 said
Mar 10, 2018
I read the warnings but I didn't believe it could be that bad. It's actually even worse than I was prepared for.
If you hadn't loaned me the original, I have no idea what I would have done. I have it fitting great now but what a job....
I still might email Parts Place and tell them what I think of their repro.
cdnpont said
Mar 10, 2018
I'd try my luck at some panel beating Carl. At a glance it looks to be not much of a complex shape. Get a blank of some light gauge aluminum, make some kind of a sandbag or some wooden shapes and see it you could somehow shape one yourself. Start really light. If that works, move up in gauge. Maybe even try some soft EDDQ light Gauge steel. I can send you some.
4SPEED427 said
Mar 10, 2018
No worries Mark, thanks. I have it fitting good now. It was a good test of patience!
Pontiacanada said
Mar 10, 2018
cdnpont wrote:
I'd try my luck at some panel beating Carl. At a glance it looks to be not much of a complex shape. Get a blank of some light gauge aluminum, make some kind of a sandbag or some wooden shapes and see it you could somehow shape one yourself. Start really light. If that works, move up in gauge.
I put together a set-up and made some of my own dollies, bucks and hammers. I did some experimentation making tear-drop shaped pieces in steel. It was a lot of fun. I'll post some pictures tomorrow.
To say the repro is a piece of crap would be an understatement. Thanks to 2qwik2c, I have an original on loan to see where it fits and how it should look. I spent 2 full frustrating hours metal working the repro just to make it fit the floor. Now I will likely weld the hump opening up completely and cut the new hole the proper size, proper shape, in the PROPER place.... In the pictures, take note of the contour where it meets the floor pan, as well as the shifter opening..
But, it's the repro or nothing if I don't want to spend $400 US. Just a warning to anyone doing a conversion. Thankfully, I was warned it's a piece of junk so I wasn't disappointed when I got it.
That's terrible!
Fun fact- Studebaker used fiberglass for their 4 speed humps. I wonder if you could make one out of fibreglass using an original as a mold? Just cover it in wax paper and you're good to go.
Pic of Studebaker hump (top left).
so youre saying I should make a second one, another member wants one I don't know how they will turn out I hear they are a pain
Did you build one from scratch? I can't even imagine how much work that would be.
Are you available for a phone call? I'd like to give you a call. Can you send me a private message?
I fixed the one on the wagon , used bits for a auto to make it work, but I would like to change it, I took the one off my rag, the body was done found a rust free part for it so I have a template to produce one, I know the guy in the states gave up producing them, ill pm you.
If you hadn't loaned me the original, I have no idea what I would have done. I have it fitting great now but what a job....
I still might email Parts Place and tell them what I think of their repro.
I'd try my luck at some panel beating Carl. At a glance it looks to be not much of a complex shape. Get a blank of some light gauge aluminum, make some kind of a sandbag or some wooden shapes and see it you could somehow shape one yourself. Start really light. If that works, move up in gauge. Maybe even try some soft EDDQ light Gauge steel. I can send you some.
I put together a set-up and made some of my own dollies, bucks and hammers. I did some experimentation making tear-drop shaped pieces in steel. It was a lot of fun. I'll post some pictures tomorrow.