I bought one of the consoles that slides over the top of the factory console because it just has no storage to hold phones, garage openers etc.
However after putting it in, it kinda interferes with the shifter and I think it's going to bug me.
Has anyone put a shorter throw shifter on a top loader or modified the stock one successfully?
My searching keeps pointing me to the hurst ones, but even they look super long and some are saying it doesn't shorten the shifts up too much.
The other option is to change out to a T5 kit or something like that, but I'd rather not go down that path.
Shorter throw shifter?
Moderator: Moderators
Re: Shorter throw shifter?
I'd suggest that the basic structure of an early Mustang limits just how short the arc of the shift knob can be. By design the shift lever has to be relatively long compared to a more modern car to get the knob conveniently enough placed for the driver's hand. Therefore, the arc that the knob moves through in the 1-2 and 3-4 planes is longer than a new car with a short stubby shift lever.
I don't know what' available for top loaders but I have a short shifter from this mob
https://cubespeed.com.au/
on the T5 in my '66 attached to a Hurst lever (I had to make up an adaptor to mate the Hurst to the Cubespeed as the bolt holes were at different centres and I couldn't bring myself to drill the beautiful bit of Hurst chrome even though it would be hidden by the boot)
This definitely shortened up the shift arc, i.e. it is an improvement over the original T5 shifter, but because of the long lever it's still longer than a modern car. I have an aftermarket Scott Drake console in mine but no factory console under it. There's no interference.
I don't know what' available for top loaders but I have a short shifter from this mob
https://cubespeed.com.au/
on the T5 in my '66 attached to a Hurst lever (I had to make up an adaptor to mate the Hurst to the Cubespeed as the bolt holes were at different centres and I couldn't bring myself to drill the beautiful bit of Hurst chrome even though it would be hidden by the boot)
This definitely shortened up the shift arc, i.e. it is an improvement over the original T5 shifter, but because of the long lever it's still longer than a modern car. I have an aftermarket Scott Drake console in mine but no factory console under it. There's no interference.
Last edited by geoff289 on Wed Jun 21, 2023 3:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Shorter throw shifter?
I've sat in and tested and I don't think a shorter shifter would impact my ability to drive the vehicle at all.
Here's my current problem:
The console is already way back on the original console to the point where the rear ashtray is unusable (which is not really an issue as my 6 and 9 year olds don't smoke any more).
My hand whacks the console every time I use 2nd and 4th.
Here's my current problem:
The console is already way back on the original console to the point where the rear ashtray is unusable (which is not really an issue as my 6 and 9 year olds don't smoke any more).
My hand whacks the console every time I use 2nd and 4th.
Re: Shorter throw shifter?
Sorted! Put it in my press and straightened it out a bit.
Re: Shorter throw shifter?
I was going to suggest using a Big Hammer but your way, although a bit too sofisticated for most of us, seemed to work well!!
My Motto - Don't get Caught! If you do, Blame Someone Else!
MUSTANG - Fantastic Not Plastic
MUSTANG - Fantastic Not Plastic
Re: Shorter throw shifter?
I am so happy your kids have given up smoking. Well done Jeff, good parenting
Kerry
To our wives and sweethearts. May they never meet
To our wives and sweethearts. May they never meet