4-Speed Console Shifter ID

[yellowdart72]

yellowdart72 submitted a new Article:

4-Speed Console Shifter ID

The question of B-body shifters in A-bodies seems to come up quite often. Even I was I the dark on this subject for years until I did a little research on it with the help of a another moparhead.

Side by side is an A-body console shifter (with ball) and a B-body shifter handle. The B-body unit will not work in an A- body because it will not clear a stock steering wheel in 2nd gear and in 3rd gear the offset bracket on the bottom will run into the console body.

The a-body unit will not work in a B-body because it is set too low and makes for a very awkward driving experience.

There is a book in print by Paul A. Herd which states that the two will interchange but trial and error and side by side comparison says otherwise.

the B-body shifter has "HURST" written upright and the A-body unit has "HURST" written sideways

(some info here and the a-body shifter provided for comparison courtesy Ranidart70)

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For 66 and 67 they used the Chrysler made "inland" unit which is not as desirable as the hurst built unit because there are bushings that wear out between the handle and mech. Plus you are in a bad position should the reverse actuator cable snaps which has been known to happen.

These shifters were used into the 68 model year and not a surprise to find this model in an early built 68

This shifter came out of a 67 Barracuda and although I don't have access to a B-body version of this shifter, the B-body will not interchange with the A because the B-body unit is significantly taller and straighter and causes interference in an A-body

(shifter provided for reference courtesy Ranidart70)

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another discovery that was made some time ago is in the "HURST" logo itself.

some have an engraved "HURST" logo that looks a lot like a "chicken scratch" and others have the "HURST" logo in block outlined letters.

The engraved one is 68 and early 69 and these units do have a slightly different angle and this holds true for non-console in both A and B body shifters as well.

for example, My dad has a survivor 1969 cuda that has the engraved style of shifter and it has a build date 8/27/68

the later shifter that is 69+ has the nice block letters

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Another note is that the console shifter was never listed as an option in 1970 and up so it is very rare to find a 70 and newer car with an original console set-up. However, the console shifter and related parts were available through the "HUSTLE STUFF" catalog into 1973 so a 70 and up car may have a dealer installed or an owner installed set up using genuine mopar parts from the dealer parts counter through Hustle stuff.

Read more about this article here...

 

[Oklacarcollecto]

It has been discussed on this forum, that there is different bench seat and bucket seat application for the shifters also. If that is correct there are more different shaped shifters out there.

 

[yellowdart72]

It has been discussed on this forum, that there is different bench seat and bucket seat application for the shifters also. If that is correct there are more different shaped shifters out there.

yes the non console shifters are another story but I was focusing on the console only shifter

 

[nothingbutdarts]

Thank You James (& Rani) for the usefull information on console shifters!!!!

 

[nothingbutdarts]

Another note is that the console shifter was never listed as an option in 1970 and up so it is very rare to find a 70 and newer car with an original console set-up. However, the console shifter and related parts were available through the "HUSTLE STUFF" catalog into 1973 so a 70 and up car may have a dealer installed or an owner installed set up using genuine mopar parts from the dealer parts counter through Hustle stuff.

Never knew this.

 

[ssba]

Nice job and helpful info, thanks for posting all the pictures also.
I picked one up at a swap meet and was concerned it might be a repo
since it looked brand new. The guy I bought it from told me he knew nothing
about it, not even its application. That just added to my thinking it was a copy.
I got it home and compared it to a friends original and his was bent and welded
differently with the outline Hurst lettering.
I am now convinced what I have is a rechromed original or a nos after seeing another
identical to the one I picked up in your photos.

 

[ssba]

Thought I'd add some more pictures to this topic. This is a handle a friend of mine bought as a rechromed original from Jamie at passion perf.
It has the outline Hurst letters and bolt on handle.
It is also bent upward at the ball end compared to the slip in handle style with non outline Hurst letters. I could be wrong but I believe this is a 69 and up console stick.
It has the # 7927 stamped into the thru bolt base.

 

[ssba]

Here is some more detailed pictures of the slip in style.
I believe this to be late 68.
If someone knows for sure please chime in.

 

[MoparGreg]

To best of my knowledge the single script Hurst was mid 68 production and the dual script was 69 up and then I believe when the switch over to bolt in sticks they changed the handles again. That's when they did the little bend upward and still kepted the duel script Hurst logo. If this helps

 

[MoparGreg]

To best of my knowledge the single script Hurst was mid 68 production and the dual script was 69 up and then I believe when the switch over to bolt in sticks they changed the handles again. That's when they did the little bend upward and still kepted the duel script Hurst logo. If this helps

The handle you have is to be mid 68 production year

 

[Alex Fanelli]

To best of my knowledge the single script Hurst was mid 68 production and the dual script was 69 up and then I believe when the switch over to bolt in sticks they changed the handles again. That's when they did the little bend upward and still kepted the duel script Hurst logo. If this helps

Thanks for the info!