Shifter Options

[MacQuigley]

Im trying to find a suitable shifter for my truck and wondered what others have been using.

Ive installed a 454ci with a Bogg Warner Super T10 4 speed. Although my bench seat is not in its final position I reckon I need a tall shifter with a dogleg in it so I can reach it and so it clears the bench.

One thing I have noticed about the short Hurst shifter thats currently in it, is that its not a bolt on fitting (Unlike the one in my Vette) it locks in place rather than bolts.

I cant find anything that locks in, they all seem to bolt in and I cant find anything longer than about 16".

Anyone got any suggestions on a suitable shifter?

[demian5]

To make it theftproof you could adapt a 3 speed column to 4-speed...

[Captainfab]

I don't know about what will work with your bolt less shifter handle receiver, but those running a manual 4 speed trans such as yours, typically recommend a shifter handle for a '55-6-7 Chevy. It has a dogleg to fit around the seat.

[MacQuigley]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

I don't know about what will work with your bolt less shifter handle receiver, but those running a manual 4 speed trans such as yours, typically recommend a shifter handle for a '55-6-7 Chevy. It has a dogleg to fit around the seat.

Cheers John, I will have a look for a Tri Chevy shifter. I can change the mechanism to suit a bolt in shifter, in fact i think I'll have to as none of the shifters Ive looked at will work with it.

I had another look on Summits website last night and found these two options both of which I think will work:

https://www.summitracing.com/int/par...iew/?rrec=true

https://www.summitracing.com/int/par...iew/?rrec=true

I would prefer something a little taller though. 15.5 & 16.5" is about the shortest I can get away with. Id prefer 20" and the first one is described as being available in different lengths but I cant find any options, yet!

[Mack B]

Originally Posted by MacQuigley

Cheers John, I will have a look for a Tri Chevy shifter. I can change the mechanism to suit a bolt in shifter, in fact i think I'll have to as none of the shifters Ive looked at will work with it.

I had another look on Summits website last night and found these two options both of which I think will work:

https://www.summitracing.com/int/par...iew/?rrec=true

https://www.summitracing.com/int/par...iew/?rrec=true

I would prefer something a little taller though. 15.5 & 16.5" is about the shortest I can get away with. Id prefer 20" and the first one is described as being available in different lengths but I cant find any options, yet!

That second shifter appears the be the one in my truck with an M-21 Muncie and early 90s Chevy bench seat. Ill get some pictures tomorrow, it's really close to the seat in 2nd and 4th gear but liveable. I'd perfer it to be taller and more forward.

[MacQuigley]

Originally Posted by Mack B

That second shifter appears the be the one in my truck with an M-21 Muncie and early 90s Chevy bench seat. Ill get some pictures tomorrow, it's really close to the seat in 2nd and 4th gear but liveable. I'd perfer it to be taller and more forward.

Im going to be running with a late 70's bench seat but because Ive got a BBC installed the engine and transmission are a bit further back than maybe then would have been if Id fitted a SBC. Of course that means the shifter will be closer to the seat.

Of the 2 shifters I listed above I think the first will be best but its also the shorter of the 2. If I could get that one in say 20" it would be ideal.

But if you can get a change to take a couple of pictures that would be great.

[Mack B]

Originally Posted by MacQuigley

Im going to be running with a late 70's bench seat but because Ive got a BBC installed the engine and transmission are a bit further back than maybe then would have been if Id fitted a SBC. Of course that means the shifter will be closer to the seat.

Of the 2 shifters I listed above I think the first will be best but its also the shorter of the 2. If I could get that one in say 20" it would be ideal.

But if you can get a change to take a couple of pictures that would be great.

I may be wrong and assuming too much but unless your firewall is modified wouldn't your big block likely be more forward? Here are a few pictures of my dirty carpet .....and ripped shifter boot I hadn't noticed till just now.

[MacQuigley]

Originally Posted by Mack B

I may be wrong and assuming too much but unless your firewall is modified wouldn't your big block likely be more forward? Here are a few pictures of my dirty carpet .....and ripped shifter boot I hadn't noticed till just now.

You could be right Mack. Unfortunately I have no real reference as there was no engine fitter when I bought the truck. I know i had to push it as far back as I could (its on adjustable mounts) in order to get it to clear the fan and radiator.

In actual fact I dont think its as far back as yours!

I may have a problem anyway buying one off the shelf. It seems I have an original GM mount on the gearbox, which Ive been told there are no aftermarket replacements for - I can vouch for that as everything Ive seen is bolt in.

So unless I can get a new mount and linkage set Its looking like I may have to make a shifter, that or fit the TH400 auto box I have in the garage.

Just another little test. After 3 1/2 years building this Im getting a little sick of tests!

Oh never mind, I'll sleep on it. Time for bed.

Oh and thanks for the pictures, much appreciated.

[TheBrewery]

I have a similar situation, mine is really far back sitting right at the back of the hump cover. For the stick, I bought the HUU-5388620 and plan to cut off the existing stick, drill, and tap so it will accept the new bolt in. I will send photos after as it should arrive today.

[jonzcustomshop]

this thread has some shifter talk and pics:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...t=shifter+nova

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...t=nova+shifter

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...t=nova+shifter

[TheBrewery]

So I hacked off the top of the existing shift stick, using the new one as a template I drilled and tapped the needed holes in the stub then bolted it in. I still need to clean up the stub cut off another inch and grind it clean, but saved myself $300

[MacQuigley]

I think that may very well be the best way to go with this. Like you say it save $300 (at this point thats definitely a consideration) but maybe more importantly I can increase the height of the shifter at least a couple more inches. Currently all I can get is 15.5-16.5 inch tall shifters. Id like 18-20 inch. If I go this route I can get the height and maybe even rake the shifter to the left a little to bring he shifter to a more natural position, at the moment its leans toward the right.