My research disproves the 4-speed in the trunk theory. I have no proof this was done. If anybody has proof I would love to see it. My research just shows the 4-speed was available for ordering from the factory into 1958 full size cars very very late in the year. As well as fuel injection. Very few cars were ordered so very few or none have survived. All the cars I have seen have been recreations with no paperwork. The 1958 assembly manual shows just how to create one.
Need to find the photos, saw one and talked to the owner. He showed me the torn up box for the trans and linkage.
I guess you could go to the dealership back in the day buy a 4-speed and related parts and put them in your trunk and drive home. That doesn't prove it came that way from the factory unless related original serialized paperwork is there.
RPO 685, page 277 in the 58 Factory Assembly Manual. The RPO change date is Feb 10, 1958. No special column was used for the 4 speed. A spacing filler tube was inserted into the 3 speed column and the same rubber grommet used on the 3 speed shift lever was glued over the mounting boss on the 3 speed shifter collar. The hole in the tunnel is speced as a 5" diameter hole located 3" from the ceterline reference point of the body and .08" forward of lateral reference line 25.
Makes sense. The one I saw could have been a dealer installation, I doubt it was one of the four.
Always ask Cecil(Oldskydog) first, knows!!!
Do you have the adapter also? I need both rod and adaptor. Thanks, Mike,
I’ll look, I may have both
My 58 tri-power project.
If you say so.
