[Rick Parker]

The OEM reverse lockout feature requires the use of Ford OEM shifter mechanism under the rubber boot. The mechanism has a "Foot" with a lockout tooth to prevent the lever from being put into reverse without the "T" being lifted. The sliding "T" was connected to a braided steel cable inside the lshift lever. In an OEM 427 Cobra application the lever was reversed 180 degrees in the "Foot", with the knob poining off center to the left centerline of the transmission tunnel. This placed the knob in a very comfortable position relative to the steering wheel. This was done because the transmission being used had the shifter mechanism located on the extreme end of the transmission tailshaft housing. From what I remember (?) it was very similar to what was used in a 1963 Galaxie but reversed. The bend angle was unique, the Mustang unit has more of an arc than a sharp bend, it was made from the same materials but dimensions were changed for the Mustang because of the placement of the shifter mechanism on the long tailshaft housing of the transmission and engine placement in the Mustang. For those of you that are so inclined, the lever is made of 9/16 mild steel tubing with a .250 wall thickness, it would not be too difficult to fab one up, cut some threads, machine a slot and even fabricate a "T" handle. Whether you make it functional or not depends on what shifter mechanism or transmission you actually use.