I have searched the forums, but just can't seem to find the answer. What are you guys using for a shifter in your 1940 fords with a bench seat? I was told by an old timer that you can use a 57 Chevy Hurst shifter, but I thought I would see what else might work. Post some pics if you've got em. Thanks! BTW I'm using a Muncie or T-10 trans...
If it were me, I would use a Hurst Competition Plus with a bolt on handle. And for the handle I would take a stock 39 Ford shifter handle and adapt it to bolt to the Hurst shifter with a 39 stock boot.
I like the idea of this shifter,,it would clear the seat and looks good also. HRP This is the site: http://hurst-shifters.com/?page_id=131&pn=3913780&mk=&yr=&md=&sm=&e=
Look up this old post <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr valign="bottom"><td></td> <td> </td> <td width="100%">THE H.A.M.B. > General Discussion > Traditional Discussion & Happenings </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="navbar" style="font-size:10pt; padding-top:1px" colspan="3"> T & F Shifters (Top shifter for side shift trans.) </td></tr></tbody></table>
Big problem with any 4 speed shifter in a '35-'40 Ford is that you have to modify the X member to make room for the shifter, and the shifter is in an awkward position under your leg.
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My '40 tudor has a Muncie behind a flathead. It also has the stock bench seat, but it's moved back an inch or two for more leg room. I used a Hurst shifter with the handle that Muttley shows, but I heated and bent the handle forward a bit. I heated it on the horizontal section. I clears the seat and my legs just fine. The side of the X-member is notched pretty good, but all the original bottom of the X is still there, including the stock wishbone and mount.
What Gary says! I had one in my 40,, I had the others but you have to heavy notch the X-member to get it in and then its under your knee cap, yes you can bend or buy a moved over shifter, but it is still right at the edge of the seat. T&F Shifter puts right where it belongs.
Here are some pics of Richmond 4+1 ( 5 speed) with a Hurst shifter and the frame mods I made using reworked Chassis Eng. torque box replacement plates. I had it set up for a T 10 with a Hurst Comp Plus and had to move everything to the rear about 2 1/8 in. The 5 speed requires more side clearance for the shifter (about 1/2 in.) With the 4 speed you don't have to add much reinforcement to the left side of the X. I used the Hurst lever 4331 and it is not against my right leg and easily misses the stock seat even when fully forward.
55,6,7 Chevy benchseat shifter. I'd try this or Hurst comp-plus shifter for a '67-'68 Camaro w/console. Stick pitches to the right just a bit. Werks great in a deuce.
The Hurst website has information regarding everything currently available....The attachment came from their website........
Enough to cause you to have to hit the cheap beer section for a couple of weeks. http://www.hotrodscustomstuff.com/OLD_SITE/TFshifter.html Shopping around might get a better price though as that was the first link I found outside of the HAMB.
that T&F works great..I have one in my 32 bolted to a Muncie and Hemi motor. He also makes them for 5 speeds too
Like Crashnburns mentioned_I saw a 32 with a column shifter hooked up to a 4 speed. To use Reverse a lever was on the floor. Pretty cool
The column shifter was desirable when it came out in 1940, it gave more room inside the car, but wear on the grommets left you with a car that would go into two gears at once and you dare not to let the clutch out. You had to find a good place to pull over and open the hood and operate the shift arms down by the firewall. This was no fun, embarrassing to be seen on the side of the road with the hood open, getting your hands greasy, and maybe in the rain and dark. We hated column shifters The aftermarket floor shifter was the answer to a real problem.
Jimmy, that column shifted 4 speed is a cool idea; One of the customers has that in a 39 Buick, with a large cable to operate reverse. I like that TF shifter ! 4TTRUK
Curious if anyone builds a floor shifter for a 40 Ford 3 speed and later side shifter box? 39 trans are getting hard to find and pricey to rebuild.
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