Anyone running Hurst Lightning Rods in their truck?

[laplander]

I'm looking for ideas on mounting these puppies up. Did you have to go to buckets? Did you build up a base for the shifter to raise it up. Could you just modify the bench to work with them? If someone has put a set in their trucck, I would appreciate any and all advice you could give me.
Thanks

[mcmlxix]

I think they would need a cosole of sorts... It doesnt look like they need much room and you could probably keep a bench, but buckets would be better. If your not keeping it stock, you gould get any seats....




http://store.oldsgmail.com/store8.htm

[1968SWBBigBlock]

I agree you could run eaither set up bench or buckets - I think if you do not have the factory plastic console build a nice Aluminum unit ala hurst quater stick - in a simialer vein to teh stock plastic console.
Trying to figure out if I will run some in my truck, I have three sets sitting in the basement including a brand new set -

[laplander]

The ones in that picture are for a four speed auto out of the Hurst Olds. Here's the set up I have. I'm not sure that the little console that they are in will be comfortable enough unless there is a base was built up to install them on, plus I think reaching over to yank first would be a bit of a stretch if it was so low. I was hoping someone else had done some trial and error stuff that I could learn from.

[laplander]

Originally Posted by 1968SWBBigBlock

I agree you could run eaither set up bench or buckets - I think if you do not have the factory plastic console build a nice Aluminum unit ala hurst quater stick - in a simialer vein to teh stock plastic console.
Trying to figure out if I will run some in my truck, I have three sets sitting in the basement including a brand new set -

Hey 1968, in your sig it says you are running a 12 bolt with your BBC. Are you using a car 12 bolt or a regular truck one?

[tcb-1]

if you had a set of lightning rods (in decent shape of course) they wouldn't be going in a truck. they'd be on egay. those crazy shifters bring some sick money nowadays.

[1968SWBBigBlock]

Laplander - the shifter bolts to the floor via the base below the rods - the console simple sits on top and has a few screws to hold it in place, the the Alum cover goes over the top.
I have a B&M shifter in the truck currently and the lightning rods are just a little taller
My guess is you will not be pulling the rods nearly as often as you think.
I am running the orginal 68 truck 12 bolt with all new guts, moser axles, eaton posi, Richmond gears
Switching over to 5x5 moser axles with 1/2" screw in studs for my new wheels


TCB - I really do own 3 sets - plus a couple of spare consoles.
I bought a set brand new in the 80's and ended up selling them to my real estate agent and always kicked myself.
I bought the NOS set from Salt Lake, one set local, and the other from North Carolina.
And yes they are all for sale - almost anything I own has a price - I love them but have other prioritys currently

[Andy4639]

Pull the shifter rods and have new longer ones made for the truck!

[tcb-1]

1968swb,
you have !3! sets of those? I read not too long ago in a Hemmings where the lightning rods were going through the roof. the market for the mid 80 Cutlass' is going up, and the 442/Hurst Olds Cutlass' are finally becoming somewhat collectable.

I remember riding in an '84 H/O Cutlass back in the days and being completely in awe of those things.

[1968SWBBigBlock]

tcb - you are correct regarding prices= they really took off early this year but with the down turn in the economy they have really cooled off - nice sets still bring the best money.
The 4 speed units used in H/O's command a premium - of about double the price of a good usable 3 speed set - so 400 vs 800
The highest price I saw ebay had a couple of NOS 3 speed sets sell for about $1600 bucks each
One guy rebuilds them and you will have 1200-1800 in a rebuilt set from him
Truly a cool shifter set up in my book

[camaro_red]

Are you interested in selling one of your sets of shifters ??