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I have a 66 that I am restoring. It has a Hurst shift and I want to change it out. Can anyone tell the difference between a 66 and a 68?
I have several however I am not sure which is correct.
Your question is somewhat confusing. Are you wanting to replace the Hurst with a factory shifter? Or are you trying to choose between a '66 and a '68 Hurst shifter or between a '66 and a '68 factory shifter. I think the factory shifters on a '68 is taller. Someone will correct me I'm not right. Dennis
Charles, I understand what you are wanting to do, but just wanted to offer another option in the event you like the feel of the Hurst you have.
Had you considered swapping out the HURST shifter handle you have for one of the faux shifter handles that will bolt right up to the Hurst mechanism. It will provide about 95% of the look of the original shifter, but all the action the Hurst is famous for. While the reverse lockout is simulated, it isn't really needed with the Hurst since it requires positive effort to engage reverse.
Shifter Handle Paragon Number: 3883K GM Part Number:
Shifter handle,round original design will replace flat Hurst handle. Convert your non-original shifter back to its stock appearance at a fraction of the cost of a complete shifter. Beautiful chrome finish. Includes "T" handle and ****. Use with Hurst shifter having serrated lever. Ask for technical assistance before purchasing if unsure. Years 1968 - 1976 https://www.paragoncorvette.com/p-34...er-handle.aspx
I've only driven a Corvette with a factory shifter a few times and long after putting many miles on both a C2 & a C3 equipped with the Hurst shifter. I was struck by the difficulty of 'speed' shifting, a very low mileage Corvette, compared to how easy it was to accomplish with the Hurst. I'm sure with more time I would have found it tolerable, but I couldn't think of a good reason to try. Ironically my '85 came from the factory with exactly the shifter that they should have offered in the beginning, albeit with a bit longer throws - also easily fixed.
Charles, I understand what you are wanting to do, but just wanted to offer another option in the event you like the feel of the Hurst you have.
Had you considered swapping out the HURST shifter handle you have for one of the faux shifter handles that will bolt right up to the Hurst mechanism. It will provide about 95% of the look of the original shifter, but all the action the Hurst is famous for. While the reverse lockout is simulated, it isn't really needed with the Hurst since it requires positive effort to engage reverse.
Shifter Handle Paragon Number: 3883K GM Part Number:
Shifter handle,round original design will replace flat Hurst handle. Convert your non-original shifter back to its stock appearance at a fraction of the cost of a complete shifter. Beautiful chrome finish. Includes "T" handle and ****. Use with Hurst shifter having serrated lever. Ask for technical assistance before purchasing if unsure. Years 1968 - 1976 https://www.paragoncorvette.com/p-34...er-handle.aspx
I've only driven a Corvette with a factory shifter a few times and long after putting many miles on both a C2 & a C3 equipped with the Hurst shifter. I was struck by the difficulty of 'speed' shifting, a very low mileage Corvette, compared to how easy it was to accomplish with the Hurst. I'm sure with more time I would have found it tolerable, but I couldn't think of a good reason to try. Ironically my '85 came from the factory with exactly the shifter that they should have offered in the beginning, albeit with a bit longer throws - also easily fixed.
Good luck with whatever your decision is...
GUSTO
I have the Hurst replacement t-handle and shift linkage. I used it in my 72 and was able to move it to my 65 with no modifications.
Shifter
Dennis
