Toploader Shifter Handles

[blykins]

Hey Guys....

Which shifter was actually used in the 427 car? Was it the Mustang shifter handle turned around backwards...a Galaxy?...Fairlane?

[Cal Metal]

It was a modified Mustang shifter. If you were to use the Mustang shifter "out of the box" the shifter would point to the passenger side. A modification (re-weld) had to be done so the shifter pointed toward the driver.

[blykins]

I think I may be in trouble Cal....

I have bid on a Toploader out of a Galaxy...It's a 17" tailhousing...and I've been told by David Kee that the shifter locations are a lot more forward compared to a 14". I guess the tranny I have was used in the 289 cars where the shifter was a little snub-shifter mounted straight up. Any ideas?

[Cal Metal]

Yeah....the Mustang mount on the tail is at the back of the housing. It is a 14 incher. Don't worry, just yet, though. We have used long tails on our Unique FIAs and those have worked.

At worst, you can simply change out the mainshaft to a shorter one and get a short tail. You need to go though the tranny, in any event, as it will need to be re-sealed and new gaskets installed. David (Kee) is manufacturing a modular tail that will fit all applications. They won't be that expensive, either.

You can address the shifter issue later.

[blykins]

So is it really 4" or so like I've been hearing? That would look so ridiculously stupid...That would put the shifter almost against the dash, right?

So do I have any other options? Does anyone make an adapter that would move the shifter back further?

I'm really bummed at this point....not only will I have to change the input shaft (it came out of a big block....it's going in a small block), but now I have to buy a different main shaft and tailhousing...I was planning on rebuilding the tranny anyway, but this is getting out of hand.

[Cal Metal]

I really can't tell you what the exact difference would be except it would farther forward. David (Kee) would probably know for sure.
You can call him at 210-967-4161.

The issue on used Toploaders is this: They were built as a performance transmission and they are very rugged. However, given their performance provenance, typically all used units will need second/third/and fourth gear (input). In your case, the input would probably have needed changing out, anyway, so don't look at the change from big to small as any big loss.

Input and mainshaft bearings should be replaced, as well as new gaskets. The synchro assemblies need to be examined. The blocker rings come with the rebuild kit (input and main bearing, needle bearings, gaskets, etc.). If you bought this unit at a good price, the upgrades may not be all that expensive.

Your biggest problem was that it was a long tail tranny. They just are not in demand that much. The Mustang short tail is the most sought after.

[blykins]

Well...even more bad news....I'm not finding any speedo gears for a 3.70 rearend ratio. Man, what have I gotten myself into now?

[Cal Metal]

Assuming a 26 inch rear tire, the driven gear tooth count should be 19 or 20; whereas the drive gear (sits on the mainshaft inside the tail) should be 7. This would work out to 3.73 which is just about on the $$ for your application.

[blykins]

Are these hard to come by Cal?

Do you think I'll be ok with what I'm getting?

I'll just have to change the input & main shafts, and the tailhousing, correct? I was planning on rebuilding the tranny anyway...

[Cal Metal]

That should do it. David Kee is the only person I know that sells the speedo gears (both). Contact him--especially regarding my math and double check the correct gears you will need. Check the tire diameter before ordering.

[Sal Gerace]

I heard the speedo gears are also in the Ford Motorsports parts book along with a chart for finding the right one. I personally have not looked but it was on another forum.

[blykins]

Thanks to you both....I'm starting to feel a little better....I don't think I would be terribly disappointed if I lost the bid to this tranny though.....