B&M Mega shifter? YES? NO? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bbcmudtruck · 08-19-2013, 07:19 PM

Im currently building my 69 swb hot rod and have a column auto shift. I want to buy a new steering that is tilt. The question is should I buy one without the column shift and put a B&M Mega Truck shifter on the floor, or keep it on the column? I already have the truck shifter. This truck is a hotrod and not a show truck. It has a bench seat for now, but I plan on swapping to some buckets at some point. Opinions wanted! Thanks!!

Square_78 · 08-19-2013, 07:22 PM

Unless your truck is pro street style, get a Lokar floor shifter. Way way nicer, suits the truck better.
Posted via Mobile Device
Posted via Mobile Device

geezer#99 · 08-19-2013, 07:27 PM

X2.
I had a Mega shifter. Hated it!
Had to go past reverse to get to nuetral. Motor usually quit as soon as it kicked into reverse.
Get a better one like a Lokar.

cdowns · 08-19-2013, 07:40 PM

from what i've seen over the years B&M stuff starts to rapidly go to crap and lookin quite ugly in short order

jmking9 · 08-19-2013, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geezer#99

X2.
I had a Mega shifter. Hated it!
Had to go past reverse to get to nuetral. Motor usually quit as soon as it kicked into reverse.
Get a better one like a Lokar.

I dont understand what you mean by have to go past Reverse to get to Neutral??
Anyway, I had one in my truck for a few years and LOVED IT!! You mix horsepower/Posi-traction/and a ratchet shifter together and you come up with alot of fun! But ultimately, its your truck. Do whatever you want.

**FRENCHBLUE72** · 08-19-2013, 07:51 PM

I love my lokar shifter...

hugger6933 · 08-19-2013, 08:01 PM

I had a couple in some of the v-8 S trucks I built, I really liked them in the S trucks I am not so sure about how I would feel in a C10 that sets up so much taller. Of course I am a LOT older now and would prefer the colum shifter, I think it will look better, but the ratchet is fun to play with for banging gears once it is adjusted.

leftybass209 · 08-19-2013, 08:18 PM

Megashifter doesn't fit the trucks style. It seems like it seriously dominates the interior, overshadowing other features. Personally I think its ugly as well. Lokar and gennie shifters fit the trucks style much better, aiding the character rather than dominating it.
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bbcmudtruck · 08-19-2013, 08:38 PM

Ultimately its a hot rod. The motor I'm almost done building is a nasty 496. It will be backed by a 400 turbo with an overdrive kit. Its a toy and I drive it like one. I just don't know if I will like the way the ratchet shifter will look once installed. I also can't decide on what to do with the interior. I wan the clean look of a smooth fire wall. I don't think I'm going to put the heater core and box as well as the heater control panel back in the truck. I think I'm going to smooth it all off. Suggestions on that are welcome as well! Thanks so far guys!

geezer#99 · 08-19-2013, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmking9

I dont understand what you mean by have to go past Reverse to get to Neutral??
Anyway, I had one in my truck for a few years and LOVED IT!! You mix horsepower/Posi-traction/and a ratchet shifter together and you come up with alot of fun! But ultimately, its your truck. Do whatever you want.

THere was no detent to go into reverse. It was a straight line from park to nuetral.

bbcmudtruck · 08-19-2013, 08:43 PM

I've had two other mega truck shifters and they were nice and easy to use in the mud trucks anyways.. Geezer, did you have a quick silver shifter or a mega shifter? I had a quick silver that was kind of a pain in the but to use. It had the same problems you described.

BlackedOut67shorty · 08-19-2013, 09:07 PM

Had one in mine and it was just too low, I use a unimatic now from b@m and its a lot nicer
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geezer#99 · 08-19-2013, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbcmudtruck

I've had two other mega truck shifters and they were nice and easy to use in the mud trucks anyways.. Geezer, did you have a quick silver shifter or a mega shifter? I had a quick silver that was kind of a pain in the but to use. It had the same problems you described.

It was a megashifter. Bought it from summit. Had it in a stroker big block with a wicked cam. It didn't like me I guess. Worked good once you got in to drive but was a pain getting it in to ratchet mode too. Shoulda bought a Hurst quarter stick instead.
I suppose it might have worked good in a milder cammed motor.

Square_78 · 08-19-2013, 11:30 PM

Hurst quarter stick would be a better choice than the mega shifter.
Posted via Mobile Device

stevencvn72 · 08-20-2013, 12:14 AM

I've got a mega shifter in mine and, aesthetically, I'm not a fan. I don't like the cheap plastic base, the gaudy chrome, and the "t" handle is mullet inspiring. However, my truck isn't fast, and I rarely use the rachet shifter except to keep me frim riding the brakes going down long hills. Now a 16" Lokar shifter.....sign me up!

timski69gmc · 08-20-2013, 12:57 AM

I have had a Megashifter in mine for about 20 years. It has been great, no complaints. suited the truck, I thought, when it was turning to more of a hot rod. But with raising it back up, it looks like a farm truck again. Thinking about taking it out, but wasn't sure what to replace it with. The Lokar shifter sounds great. Would definitely match the current look.

Badger7C9F · 08-20-2013, 05:10 AM

Keep a column shift.... Mega shifter looks a bit retro IMO and will date the interior, if you do go for floor mounted go with a lokar..... But stick with the column shift..
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alaska gasser · 08-20-2013, 05:20 AM

I have a B&M Quicksilver in my 1/4 ton Thames panel with a blown SBC and love it!

ksshane · 08-20-2013, 08:00 AM

I had a mega shifter in my jeep. It does the job, but they just look like crap in my opinion.

Im looking at doing a swap from standard to automatic and will either go with Lokar (which is what everyone seems to recommend) or B&M unimatic (and just change out the t handle).

Katrina/10 · 08-20-2013, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevencvn72

I've got a mega shifter in mine and, aesthetically, I'm not a fan. I don't like the cheap plastic base, the gaudy chrome, and the "t" handle is mullet inspiring. However, my truck isn't fast, and I rarely use the rachet shifter except to keep me frim riding the brakes going down long hills. Now a 16" Lokar shifter.....sign me up!

Mullet inspiring! LOL

BrianG · 08-20-2013, 09:55 AM

Stick with the column or maybe go with Lokar. I agree with what many others have said, the Megashifter goes to crud in a quick hurry, it looks cheap, dated, etc. It just doesn't fit these trucks. I just took one out of a project I'm working on, because it looked so bad. It toasted the tranny too, because it got out of synch a little and the PO didn't know it. I personally love the column shifter. It looks better in my opinion, and is out of the way. Unless your racing or something, it works just fine. Now, when I had Cutlass' and other vehicles like them with buckets and a factory center counsole, I was able to fit a megashifter in the factory counsole and it was okay. looked okay because you weren't using their cheap plastic housing, but they still aren't built really well in my opinion. In my 69 4x4, I've always really liked the column. Its quicker to get to low and back to drive also.

STOCKISH · 08-20-2013, 10:08 AM

Lokar or leave it on the column.

**Ironangel** · 08-20-2013, 10:31 AM

Leave it on the column with Lokar Linkage... Bucket seats...Go for the floor shift...

http://www.lokar.com/product-pgs/shi...t-shifter.html

Andy4639 · 08-20-2013, 11:58 AM

Why not go get a s-10 Blazer shifter console as I did. Looks good and lites up at night to know what gear your in.
Had a local guy build the sides for it. I like it.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=547110

MfBox · 04-02-2018, 01:35 PM

i know this is an old thread but im wondering about the difference between lokar and the ratchet style shifters. Can the lokar go through gears just like the ratchet style? imo the lokar looks a lot better but the draw of having a ratchet style shifter is super cool

View Poll Results: Should I put a B&M Truck Mega shifter in?
Go for it	14	34.15%
Keep it on the column!!	27	65.85%
Voters: 41. You may not vote on this poll

08-19-2013, 07:19 PM	#1
bbcmudtruck Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: ravenwood, mo Posts: 709	B&M Mega shifter? YES? NO? Im currently building my 69 swb hot rod and have a column auto shift. I want to buy a new steering that is tilt. The question is should I buy one without the column shift and put a B&M Mega Truck shifter on the floor, or keep it on the column? I already have the truck shifter. This truck is a hotrod and not a show truck. It has a bench seat for now, but I plan on swapping to some buckets at some point. Opinions wanted! Thanks!!

08-19-2013, 07:22 PM	#2
Square_78 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada Posts: 1,237	Re: B&M Mega shifter? YES? NO? Unless your truck is pro street style, get a Lokar floor shifter. Way way nicer, suits the truck better. Posted via Mobile Device Posted via Mobile Device __________________ #teamlongbed "I refuse to go disc brakes. I actually love drum brakes. It makes for an adventure." - 50bomb 1978 Chevy shop truck - static 6/8" 1970 GMC 1500 - Accuair eLevel Resto-mod http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=537497

08-19-2013, 07:27 PM	#3
geezer#99 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Bowser Posts: 13,591	Re: B&M Mega shifter? YES? NO? X2. I had a Mega shifter. Hated it! Had to go past reverse to get to nuetral. Motor usually quit as soon as it kicked into reverse. Get a better one like a Lokar.

08-19-2013, 07:40 PM	#4
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: B&M Mega shifter? YES? NO? from what i've seen over the years B&M stuff starts to rapidly go to crap and lookin quite ugly in short order __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

08-19-2013, 07:51 PM	#6
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,608	Re: B&M Mega shifter? YES? NO? I love my lokar shifter... __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

08-19-2013, 08:01 PM	#7
hugger6933 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Marianna Arkansas Posts: 7,269	Re: B&M Mega shifter? YES? NO? I had a couple in some of the v-8 S trucks I built, I really liked them in the S trucks I am not so sure about how I would feel in a C10 that sets up so much taller. Of course I am a LOT older now and would prefer the colum shifter, I think it will look better, but the ratchet is fun to play with for banging gears once it is adjusted.

08-19-2013, 08:18 PM	#8
leftybass209 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 2,188	Re: B&M Mega shifter? YES? NO? Megashifter doesn't fit the trucks style. It seems like it seriously dominates the interior, overshadowing other features. Personally I think its ugly as well. Lokar and gennie shifters fit the trucks style much better, aiding the character rather than dominating it. Posted via Mobile Device

08-19-2013, 08:38 PM	#9
bbcmudtruck Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: ravenwood, mo Posts: 709	Re: B&M Mega shifter? YES? NO? Ultimately its a hot rod. The motor I'm almost done building is a nasty 496. It will be backed by a 400 turbo with an overdrive kit. Its a toy and I drive it like one. I just don't know if I will like the way the ratchet shifter will look once installed. I also can't decide on what to do with the interior. I wan the clean look of a smooth fire wall. I don't think I'm going to put the heater core and box as well as the heater control panel back in the truck. I think I'm going to smooth it all off. Suggestions on that are welcome as well! Thanks so far guys!

08-19-2013, 08:43 PM	#11
bbcmudtruck Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: ravenwood, mo Posts: 709	Re: B&M Mega shifter? YES? NO? I've had two other mega truck shifters and they were nice and easy to use in the mud trucks anyways.. Geezer, did you have a quick silver shifter or a mega shifter? I had a quick silver that was kind of a pain in the but to use. It had the same problems you described.

08-19-2013, 09:07 PM	#12
BlackedOut67shorty Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: error 404 location not found Posts: 816	Re: B&M Mega shifter? YES? NO? Had one in mine and it was just too low, I use a unimatic now from b@m and its a lot nicer Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1995 s10 blazer 4.3 1967 c10 350/350 fleet short 1993 s10 blazer 4.3l 4l60 RIP 6/20/14 2000 mercury sable Thats a how I roll

08-19-2013, 11:30 PM	#14
Square_78 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada Posts: 1,237	Re: B&M Mega shifter? YES? NO? Hurst quarter stick would be a better choice than the mega shifter. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ #teamlongbed "I refuse to go disc brakes. I actually love drum brakes. It makes for an adventure." - 50bomb 1978 Chevy shop truck - static 6/8" 1970 GMC 1500 - Accuair eLevel Resto-mod http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=537497

08-20-2013, 12:14 AM	#15
stevencvn72 Kill Bill...et Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Winchestertonfieldville, Wa Posts: 366	Re: B&M Mega shifter? YES? NO? I've got a mega shifter in mine and, aesthetically, I'm not a fan. I don't like the cheap plastic base, the gaudy chrome, and the "t" handle is mullet inspiring. However, my truck isn't fast, and I rarely use the rachet shifter except to keep me frim riding the brakes going down long hills. Now a 16" Lokar shifter.....sign me up! __________________ -Steve I ♥ Grease '67 Chev stepper http://youtu.be/38p_2Iu2fd0

08-20-2013, 12:57 AM	#16
timski69gmc Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Cranbrook, BC Posts: 253	Re: B&M Mega shifter? YES? NO? I have had a Megashifter in mine for about 20 years. It has been great, no complaints. suited the truck, I thought, when it was turning to more of a hot rod. But with raising it back up, it looks like a farm truck again. Thinking about taking it out, but wasn't sure what to replace it with. The Lokar shifter sounds great. Would definitely match the current look.

08-20-2013, 05:10 AM	#17
Badger7C9F Registered User Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Manchester, United Kingdom Posts: 31	Re: B&M Mega shifter? YES? NO? Keep a column shift.... Mega shifter looks a bit retro IMO and will date the interior, if you do go for floor mounted go with a lokar..... But stick with the column shift.. Posted via Mobile Device



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08-20-2013, 05:20 AM	#18
alaska gasser Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Ruidoso, NM Posts: 290	Re: B&M Mega shifter? YES? NO? I have a B&M Quicksilver in my 1/4 ton Thames panel with a blown SBC and love it!

08-20-2013, 08:00 AM	#19
ksshane Registered User Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Wichita Ks Posts: 495	Re: B&M Mega shifter? YES? NO? I had a mega shifter in my jeep. It does the job, but they just look like crap in my opinion. Im looking at doing a swap from standard to automatic and will either go with Lokar (which is what everyone seems to recommend) or B&M unimatic (and just change out the t handle). __________________ 71 swb 350/4sp manual 5/7 static drop

08-20-2013, 09:55 AM	#21
BrianG Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Oakley, Michigan Posts: 735	Re: B&M Mega shifter? YES? NO? Stick with the column or maybe go with Lokar. I agree with what many others have said, the Megashifter goes to crud in a quick hurry, it looks cheap, dated, etc. It just doesn't fit these trucks. I just took one out of a project I'm working on, because it looked so bad. It toasted the tranny too, because it got out of synch a little and the PO didn't know it. I personally love the column shifter. It looks better in my opinion, and is out of the way. Unless your racing or something, it works just fine. Now, when I had Cutlass' and other vehicles like them with buckets and a factory center counsole, I was able to fit a megashifter in the factory counsole and it was okay. looked okay because you weren't using their cheap plastic housing, but they still aren't built really well in my opinion. In my 69 4x4, I've always really liked the column. Its quicker to get to low and back to drive also.

08-20-2013, 10:08 AM	#22
STOCKISH Formerly- 1972SuperCheyenne Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wake Forest NC Posts: 5,782	Re: B&M Mega shifter? YES? NO? Lokar or leave it on the column. __________________ --Josh My Build Thread:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=799218 A good crossthread is better than Loctite any day. Life is not about what you have, but who you have to share it with.

08-20-2013, 10:31 AM	#23
Ironangel Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Falls City, Nebraska "100 Miles From Nowhere" Posts: 2,219	Re: B&M Mega shifter? YES? NO? Leave it on the column with Lokar Linkage... Bucket seats...Go for the floor shift... http://www.lokar.com/product-pgs/shi...t-shifter.html __________________ Michael of the clan Hill, "Two Seventy Two's" 71 1-ton Dually 350 4-Speed 71 C/50 Grain Truck, 350 Split-Axle 4-Speed 02 3/4 ton Express 14 Indian Chief Vintage 1952 Ford 8N, "Only Ford Allowed On The Property" "Be American, Buy American" Last edited by Ironangel; 08-20-2013 at 10:42 AM.

08-20-2013, 11:58 AM	#24
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: B&M Mega shifter? YES? NO? Why not go get a s-10 Blazer shifter console as I did. Looks good and lites up at night to know what gear your in. Had a local guy build the sides for it. I like it. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=547110 __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

04-02-2018, 01:35 PM	#25
MfBox Registered User Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Glendale Colorado Posts: 84	Re: B&M Mega shifter? YES? NO? i know this is an old thread but im wondering about the difference between lokar and the ratchet style shifters. Can the lokar go through gears just like the ratchet style? imo the lokar looks a lot better but the draw of having a ratchet style shifter is super cool

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