Shifter modification and car value?

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Oct 6, 2013 | 10:10 AM

Vettesquid

Thread Starter

Intermediate

Joined: Feb 2013

Posts: 44

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From: Chester New Jersey

Shifter modification and car value?

Have a 71 4speed with 350/270 engine that is almost completely restored (and original) from a frame off effort. Last challenge is the stock shifter which is worn, rubbery and occasional pops out of 4th gear. I am debating with myself on either going with a stock rebuild or Hurst. I already know the advantages of the Hurst, but I am uncertain if it will hurt, help or do nothing with the value of the car. Any thoughts? Also, does anyone have the Hurst shifter that mimics the stock one and if so, how close to the original is it in size and looks?
Thanks for the help

Oct 6, 2013 | 10:32 AM

Easy Mike

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Joined: Jun 2000

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From: Southbound

Cruise-In II Veteran

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vettesquid

...Have a 71 4speed with 350/270 engine that is almost completely restored (and original) from a frame off effort...

Why not leave it that way? It's your car and you can do what you want, but the fact that you admit to being uncertain about the Hurst seems to answer that question for you.

Oct 6, 2013 | 10:47 AM

tokim

Burning Brakes

Joined: Aug 2013

Posts: 1,231

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From: Yelm Wa

I agree with Easy Mike.
Seems you have made a great effort to restore it and keep it original.
My '71 retains the stock shifter, and it works beautifully.

Oct 6, 2013 | 11:06 AM

John 65

Le Mans Master

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 5,380

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From: N J

I would install the hurst and just hold on to the original shifter for a future sale of the car. Have had both, just no comparison in my opinion. You can even dress it for a stock appearance. Good luck.

Oct 6, 2013 | 11:23 AM

Priya

Le Mans Master

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 6,397

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From: Saskatoon Saskatchewan

Quote:

Originally Posted by John 65

As long as you've got the original shifter to go with the car its trivial to put it back to original and in my opinion will have no effect on the value of the car. The Hurst shifter is way nicer than the factory piece.

Oct 6, 2013 | 12:12 PM

Alan 71

Team Owner

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 31,160

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From: Westminster Maryland

Hi Vs,
While I generally like the look of the Hurst shifter and it's operation, it does bother me, "as the 'dreaded' purist", when I see one in an otherwise stock looking interior.
Have you considered the Hurst shifter with the stock looking lever and ball that's available for it?
A properly shimmed and adjusted stock shifter is pretty nice to look at and use.
Regards,
Alan

Oct 6, 2013 | 04:31 PM