Transmission linkage

[John York]

I am interested in changing the shift linkage of my 59' Ponton from the steerig column to a floor shift. Has/does anyone have any experience in making this conversion and if so, what year/model of Mercedes was the donor vehicle?

thx, JDY

[Sokoloff]

John - see the welcome message in this forum and consider joining the Yahoo groups ponton group. We've got over 600 owners there and the knowledge base is wonderful. Someone there ought to be able to help. I know of at least one member who has a floor shifter that came from the factory that way.

Len

[ersquared]

Hi Len
Doesn't that take a different transmission? Seems to me I remember a chap from Orange County, CA. (I forgot his name), putting something like a ZF in his Coupe, it was in the STAR several years ago. It is a pretty small space down there and modifications are hard to do.
Ed

[ersquared]

By the way John, do join the Ponton group. Also keep us posted on your quest for the floor shift.
Ed

[Sokoloff]

Ed - that's why I suggested that he join us on the ponton group. Someone there would know the answer for sure - I don't. Plus, I know that at least Brian G. I think has a factory floor shifter on his.

[ja17]

Hello John,

Your existing transmission will work, but you will have to change the top cover. The transmission will have to come out to do it, but it is a easy job once it is out. You will also have to cut a hole in the top of your car's tunnel for the linkage rod to pass through.

Specifically a single linkage rod, 4 bolt top cover from a 190SL or 300 SL will work. The shift rod, and lever assembly can be made to fit also.

Understanding that these parts are not easily found or cheap, the single shift rod top cover from most of the finback sedans of the sixties will also work. Most of these covers have six bolt holding them to the tranmission. (Some of the eariliest versions do have the four bolt cover.) You will only be able to use the four of the six bolts. No problem works fine. You may also be able to modify the shifter stand to work.

I can get into more details as needed.

[Sokoloff]

Joe is a member of our ponton group and that's the kind of expertise you can get over there.