Makin a custom manual shifter - need advice

[wrecked36]

Hello all,

I am going to be installing a custom shifter on my 1966 C10. For numerous reasons that no one will probably be able to talk me out of.

Sorry, kind of had to say that for the folks who always feel like they have the (only) right answer.

Can someone provide any pics and advice from there experience? I have access to a lot of metalworking tools, and a buddy with brakes, stamps, lathes, etc.

I am going to model it off of a Hurst 538-8620, bench seat style from a trifive. Or some call it the "layback" style. Lots of bend, curve, and for mine - much more height! I am looking at the shifter head being close to the ashtray and stereo in the forward positions.

M20 transmission 4 speed tail shifter. So a direct replace for the Saginaw 3 speed shifter on the floor now. I already have a hurst shifter, boot, etc. probably a comp/plus unit.

Thanks for any advice. If someone has an extra laying around and could trace it onto a sheet of paper with the dimensions written out I'd buy em a beer. Just wannt this Suomi have a good baseline to start from.

BigJim
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[perro13]

Heres afew pics from 48 sedan delivery, it started of a hurst shifter, some heating bending & grindingm cant't forget the welding' hope it helps. gotta be different.excuse the condition of the interior, redoing some wiring.
What it looks like through the window

[markeb01]

I don't have a stick to trace, but perhaps the 538 8620 dimensions shown on the attached link will help:

http://www.hurst-shifters.com/wp-con...ickDiagram.pdf

[wrecked36]

Thanks markeb01. I just used that same catalog a few days ago to post some model and part numbers for a member, completely forgot they had total dimensioned sketches in it. I have CRS disease cant remember squat
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[ChiefRocka]

I started off with the Hurst shifter designed for an early Nova. Places the mechanism the farthest forward to begin with.

[BR3W CITY]

My biggest concern when anyone builds a custom shifter is the weight and where it is distributed. Very tall shift handles and or heavy shift knobs can actually affect the syncro's in the trans. Compare it to putting some pressure on the shifter with your hand, all the time; it can also put pressure trying to go into 2nd or 4th.

[chad64chevy]

i think the shifter would just pivot in the housing and a short rod would switch gears! i had a 3 speed shifter in my truck when i got it, and thats what it looked like if i remember right!

[wrecked36]

Thanks BR3W CITY, that's good point and my plan is to ensure the shifter will be firm as it sits in most positions avoiding any excess strain throughout the linkage. Especially 2nd and 4th though since it seems that is where all the time is spent. I am (guessing) that with the right bends, weight, thickness of material, etc that this is manageable. Chad has a point, I think, but it can't pay to be too careful I reckon. Worst case scenario: I learn me a little something and clue some board members in on all the reasons why you shouldn't build your own shifter. IMHO, this Hurst guy was good, but it's not like he was splitting atoms or anything. Plus, the price of cool is paid in hard lessons and sweaty, bloody knuckles, right?

Thanks for the heads up advice and weighing in everyone though, I am way novice and about the only lesson I ever learned that stuck was that I don't know much.

BigJim