Hurst Shifter/console alignment
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
From: Mesa AZ
Hurst Shifter/console alignment
Guys
I recently removed the Muncie from our '66 coupe for overhaul and decided to install a Hurst Comp Plus as well. It came from the shop with the shifter installed but as the install progressed we found that the shifter was keeping us from getting the trans bolted on. It was hitting the fwd part of the console hole. Removed it and had success installing the gearbox.
Research shows that the correct adapter plate is used and according to the diagram it was installed in correct configuration.
Any ideas or has anyone seen this issue? I ll put the original shifter back in before I consider takin a saw to the body. "Dat jus aint right"
Lookin for a Christmas miracle ...
I recently removed the Muncie from our '66 coupe for overhaul and decided to install a Hurst Comp Plus as well. It came from the shop with the shifter installed but as the install progressed we found that the shifter was keeping us from getting the trans bolted on. It was hitting the fwd part of the console hole. Removed it and had success installing the gearbox.
Research shows that the correct adapter plate is used and according to the diagram it was installed in correct configuration.
Any ideas or has anyone seen this issue? I ll put the original shifter back in before I consider takin a saw to the body. "Dat jus aint right"
Lookin for a Christmas miracle ...
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,659
Likes: 3,666
From: Central Arkansas
I'm kind of confused by your post. Were you trying to install the transmission with the shifter bolted to the transmission? Installing the shifter is one of the last things I install when installing a transmission - that and the driveshaft. It will slide in from underneath with the two bolts in the shifter body. it's tight but turn the bolts with your fingers to start them and then tighten with an combination wrench. You can leave the transmission mount off while bolting in the shifter to get a little more room for tightening the bolts but the mount must go in before installing the rods and adjusting them.
Last edited by DansYellow66; Dec 18, 2017 at 07:56 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,946
Likes: 28
From: Long Beach CA
Not sure I understand the issue either without pictures. I have a Hurst in my 66 with Muncie, and there are no clearance problems. I have the mounting plate bolted to the tranny when I install it, and then bolt the shifter body to the mounting plate. As Dan says, it's tight in there, but you can start the bolts by hand and then tighten them with a box or open-end wrench. I have had no clearance issues once it's installed. Mine has a removable shift lever that bolts on last. Is that what you have, or do you have an early shifter with a non-removable lever? That could be a completely different issue.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 58,061
Likes: 7,145
Army
I'm kind of confused by your post. Were you trying to install the transmission with the shifter bolted to the transmission? Installing the shifter is one of the last things I install when installing a transmission - that and the driveshaft. It will slide in from underneath with the two bolts in the shifter body. it's tight but turn the bolts with your fingers to start them and then tighten with an combination wrench. You can leave the transmission mount off while bolting in the shifter to get a little more room for tightening the bolts but the mount must go in before installing the rods and adjusting them.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 196
Likes: 32
From: Il
Curt, pull the shifter off the trans, leave the adapter/mounting plate on, then install the trans into the car. Once it's in then reinstall the shifter. Getting that trans in is a bit of a battle, but keep at it and you'll get it.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
From: Mesa AZ
Hurst
The trans returned from the shop with the shifter installed and stops set up. The stick was not.
I asked if that wouldn't create a problem on install and got a negative reply. Since we couldn't make it work I have removed the shifter and the trans is now hooked up.
Full disclosure.....this is a used unit purchased from a guy that said it came off a C2 corvette. I'm talkin to folks at Hurst about fitment, they have been helpful but without PNs on parts its difficult.
I ll try to get some pics up today.
Thanx for everyones help.
Curt2.0
I asked if that wouldn't create a problem on install and got a negative reply. Since we couldn't make it work I have removed the shifter and the trans is now hooked up.
Full disclosure.....this is a used unit purchased from a guy that said it came off a C2 corvette. I'm talkin to folks at Hurst about fitment, they have been helpful but without PNs on parts its difficult.
I ll try to get some pics up today.
Thanx for everyones help.
Curt2.0
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,214
Likes: 447
From: NJ Hockey beer league
If you do indeed have all the correct parts, as mentioned no cutting is necessary. The complete kit that some of the vendors like CC sell fits and works perfectly and it includes a look a like shift handle. I am wondering if the handle you have is the issue with hitting the forward part of the console. Does yours look like this? https://www.corvettecentral.com/c2-6...6catalogs%3dc2
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,659
Likes: 3,666
From: Central Arkansas
I hate to tell you this but although they may have adjusted the shifter/rods when the transmission was on the bench - the odds that it will hold it's adjustment after removal/reinstallation is not good. You might get lucky but there is enough play in the bolt holes for the adaptor plate and in the shifter body itself, that it probably won't end up where it was when adjusted.
If it does need further adjustment look for a piece of 1/4 inch tubing or bar and cut a length the width of the shifter body + a little extra to stick out and give you something to grab ahold of. This goes in the slot in the bottom and through the levers to the opposite side of the case to hold everything in neutral alignment while the rods are adjusted to fit the transmission levers in their neutral position.
Good luck.
If it does need further adjustment look for a piece of 1/4 inch tubing or bar and cut a length the width of the shifter body + a little extra to stick out and give you something to grab ahold of. This goes in the slot in the bottom and through the levers to the opposite side of the case to hold everything in neutral alignment while the rods are adjusted to fit the transmission levers in their neutral position.
Good luck.
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Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
From: Mesa AZ
Again THANX to all of you for the input.
I went out and tried mounting the adapter plate using the far aft hole on the trans and that worked well for shifter but the linkage wouldn't work due to interference at the crossmember/trans mount.
Ive decided to just throw some money at in hopes of discovering that I just got the wrong install kit. At least that will give me a baseline to work from. Ordered from Summit so don't expect anything till after Christmas.
Will keep you advised....
OH! Merry Christmas.
I went out and tried mounting the adapter plate using the far aft hole on the trans and that worked well for shifter but the linkage wouldn't work due to interference at the crossmember/trans mount.
Ive decided to just throw some money at in hopes of discovering that I just got the wrong install kit. At least that will give me a baseline to work from. Ordered from Summit so don't expect anything till after Christmas.
Will keep you advised....
OH! Merry Christmas.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,659
Likes: 3,666
From: Central Arkansas
You and JV04 may need to get together and compare notes. I've never seen so many problems with a Hurst install.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...phase-2-a.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...phase-2-a.html
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,073
Likes: 414
From: Maine
You and JV04 may need to get together and compare notes. I've never seen so many problems with a Hurst install.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...phase-2-a.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...phase-2-a.html
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 196
Likes: 32
From: Il
Curt, my understanding is that the shifters are all pretty much the same, but the installation kits vary (arms, mounts...). A quick search on Summit shows this to be the install kit for a midyear.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/h...2/applications
Here's another source for comparison:
https://www.hurstshiftersonline.com/...MUNCIE-p52.htm
Hope this helps.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/h...2/applications
Here's another source for comparison:
https://www.hurstshiftersonline.com/...MUNCIE-p52.htm
Hope this helps.
Last edited by gcb1966; Dec 22, 2017 at 09:25 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,345
Likes: 87
From: Northern MN
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Curt, my understanding is that the shifters are all pretty much the same, but the installation kits vary (arms, mounts...). A quick search on Summit shows this to be the install kit for a midyear.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/h...2/applications
Here's another source for comparison:
https://www.hurstshiftersonline.com/...MUNCIE-p52.htm
Hope this helps.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/h...2/applications
Here's another source for comparison:
https://www.hurstshiftersonline.com/...MUNCIE-p52.htm
Hope this helps.
Just looked at the price for the Hurst that you posted. I did not realize that they have jumped that much in pricing. I think I only paid a little over $200 when I purchased mine in the 80's. If I ever get rid of the car I'll pull the Hurst and install the original shifter and sell the Hurst on line.