Straight vs bend shifter - Page 2

cosbytnkid · #1 (**permalink**) 03-07-2007, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spl310

The 289 cars used the galaxie transmission as the shifter is mounted well forward. It came out in a perfect location, but they had to make the stubby straight shifter for it as the others were too long. When Shelby started stuffing in the 427, they needed a shorter transmission, so they went with the Mustang unit. The problem is that the Mustang unit puts the shifter at the end of the tailshaft. Flipping the Mustang lever solved the problem.

I stand corrected. I honestly didn't think they used parts from the Mustang. But then again my memory ain't what it used to be. Thanks for correcting me. Goes to show we are never too old to learn something new.

spl310 · #2 (**permalink**) 03-07-2007, 11:55 AM

happy to help!

Jim Barnett · #3 (**permalink**) 03-07-2007, 05:50 PM

The backwards shifter looks so cool in my Cobra that I personally wouldn't consider anything else. My first Cobra, a Classic Roadsters, had a short, straight up shifter and it worked great, BUT the original backwards shifter look and feel is the "cat's whiskers" in my humble opinion.

JBo · #4 (**permalink**) 03-07-2007, 06:22 PM

The original 427 street and s/c backwards shifters were a joy to use. first to second was a natual pull up and slightly back, second to third was a push down and right and third to forth was another up and back. All very natural and positive, muuch last chance of a missed shift; although I did miss a few. down shifting was the same positive action. I thought nthey were Fairlane and galaxie units, not Mustang...could be wrong...thought the backwards part was the extreme rear locus of trans in car itself., as this is/was amid engined car.

tman8 · #5 (**permalink**) 03-07-2007, 06:30 PM

OK so where can I get a backward shifter for a T5?

Dwight · #6 (**permalink**) 03-07-2007, 07:44 PM

Mike Lane had me to heat and bend a shifter. Then he had it rechromed. I think it was a FFR shifter. He loves it. He had it behind three motors, three trannies, & two Cobras.

Dwight

spl310 · #7 (**permalink**) 03-07-2007, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBo

I thought nthey were Fairlane and galaxie units, not Mustang...could be wrong...

Hmmm... Now that you mention it, I recall reading Fairlane in one text. I may do some digging when I get bored. I could be wrong as well. I am certain of the Galaxie one though...

Commodore · #8 (**permalink**) 03-09-2007, 09:45 AM

I'm using a Hurst competition plus shifter and a (reversed) short flat lever on my 4 speed top loader. I would like to get a reverse shift lever as used on the originals (I know, it will have a non functioning reverse lock out when bolted to the Hurst shifter). The replica Ford/Cobra shifters I've seen on line all seem to be for five speed transmissions or for an original Ford top loader shift mechanisms (the original Ford shifters bolted on rather than through the shift lever mount as used with the Hurst). Is there one out there that fits the Hurst top loader competition plus shift mechanism or will I have to modify one of the 5 speed copies?
RB

Rick Parker · #9 (**permalink**) 03-09-2007, 10:29 AM

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.

strictlypersonl · #10 (**permalink**) 03-09-2007, 11:24 AM

FWIW, ERA replicates the original lever from scratch (with some OEM pieces), complete with reverse lockout.

Commodore · #11 (**permalink**) 03-09-2007, 09:05 PM

Looks like I'll be modifying one of the five speed 'replica' shifters (flat shift plate mount) from Cobra Accessories. Thanks for the tech Rick, my '68 428 CJ Mustang had exactly what you described for the reverse lock out. Snapped my stick right off at the base on a spirited trip down the quarter mile up in Wingdale, NY ("Dirty Dover") a few thousand years ago!
RB

Excaliber · #12 (**permalink**) 03-09-2007, 09:09 PM

I would sure consider 'original specs' as much as possible within a reasonable budget. I would also be VERY tempted to go with a 5 speed (.8 OD ONLY, no way .6)! BUT, that five speed MUST HAVE a correct in appearance shifter.

snakebitekit · #13 (**permalink**) 03-18-2007, 10:27 PM

From what I remember from my Mustang 67 GT, 390CI this is the shifter reversed. The Mustang had no console nor the "high" buckekts of the larger ford. Without seeing side by side it would be difficult, but I have a dollar to a donut.

I ordered the FIA and would prefer the forward shifter for exactly the reason brought up. Who knows I may switch after the build but then someone might shoot me.

Also, from all the literature I have read and reread, ERA offers the shifter lock out look but it is not functional. Please correct me if I am wrong as I would love to have it, if not only for memories.