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Old 10-10-2020, 08:08 AM   #1
46ford
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Default How to shift the COLUMBIA?

I’ve got a 29 coupe, with a Columbia two speed axle. The canister on the axle has a cable and a plugged (vacuum?) hose. There is a shift knob on the floor. I assume you pull this to activate. Any clues? Former owner used the axle but I can’t reach him.
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Old 10-10-2020, 08:24 AM   #2
Kurt in NJ
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Default Re: How to shift the COLUMBIA?

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
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Old 10-10-2020, 08:36 AM   #3
46ford
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Default Re: How to shift the COLUMBIA?

Do you push down or pull up to shift? The car is in non-OD right now.
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Old 10-10-2020, 11:36 AM   #4
Jim Brierley
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Default Re: How to shift the COLUMBIA?

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!
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Old 10-10-2020, 07:50 PM   #5
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Default Re: How to shift the COLUMBIA?

Jim B can you post a picture of the cable into canister ?
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Old 10-10-2020, 09:10 PM   #6
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Default Re: How to shift the COLUMBIA?

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Here’s mine
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Old 10-11-2020, 07:16 AM   #7
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Default Re: How to shift the COLUMBIA?

That,s interesting running a cable thought the canister . Great idea for cars
Producing low vacuum , like mine 12-14 .
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Old 10-11-2020, 11:36 AM   #8
46ford
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Default Re: How to shift the COLUMBIA?

Haven’t figured out how to shift mine. It’s in low range. Do I pull the cable to shift to OD?
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Old 10-11-2020, 12:19 PM   #9
Jim Brierley
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Default Re: How to shift the COLUMBIA?

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.
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Old 10-19-2020, 09:22 PM   #10
31Abone
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Default Re: How to shift the COLUMBIA?

got one in a 30 pu..vacuum unit hooked up to intake manifold right lower front mtr..40 mph let off gas, shove clutch, hit electric switch and u r in od ..switch is electric but vacuum hose to rear axle..works good ..been cut down to fit mdl a
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