4sp Shifter Removal Questions
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Yorktown VA
4sp Shifter Removal Questions
The shifter on my 69-350 is worn out so I would like to remove it and either rebuild it or replace it with a Hurst. Question is can I get it out and back in without removing any of the exhaust? The pipes aren't leaking and I know if I try to pull them I will end up having to replace everything and drill out a bunch of snapped fasteners. Any hints on getting it out?
Thanks,
John
Thanks,
John
Last edited by JKNVA; Oct 12, 2006 at 10:00 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,334
Likes: 4
From: Midland TX
You might be able to get it out without taking out the exhaust but it would be a pita imo. You need the extra room to work. I unbolted the shifter rods from the trans - then removed the trans mount brackets and exhaust hander brkts - then unbolted the shifter from the shifter brkt (2 bolts hold it on).
Can you take the front pipes off or are they one piece?
Can you take the front pipes off or are they one piece?
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Yorktown VA
I don't remember if they were originally one piece but they are at least 25 years old so nothing is coming apart without disintegrating. I was impressed when they changed the mufflers a few years back without trashing the pipes. I figure as soon as I touch something I am going to be replacing everything from the manifold back and that's not in the budget at the moment.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,334
Likes: 4
From: Midland TX
That could be. When I bought my car the original pipes were still there but the owner had put sidepipes on. It still had the original pipes from just behind the manifolds to the tailpipes. Not too cool looking.
They were very rusted so i had to cut them off where they pass through the frame. You may be in the same situation. You may have to cut them and then have a muffler shop either make you new front sections or weld them back together.
I really think you'll want to get those front pipes off so you can have room to work.
Good luck.
They were very rusted so i had to cut them off where they pass through the frame. You may be in the same situation. You may have to cut them and then have a muffler shop either make you new front sections or weld them back together.
I really think you'll want to get those front pipes off so you can have room to work.
Good luck.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 17
From: Sewell NJ
There is no way you can pull the old shifter and put in a hurst without disconnecting the left pipe. Usually the pipe runs from the exhaust manifold to the crossmember. If the pipes are that bad you might want to get a new system and install it while you are under there.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,095
Likes: 299
From: Midlothian VA
Originally Posted by JKNVA
The shifter on my 69-350 is worn out so I would like to remove it and either rebuild it or replace it with a Hurst. Question is can I get it out and back in without removing any of the exhaust? The pipes aren't leaking and I know if I try to pull them I will end up having to replace everything and drill out a bunch of snapped fasteners. Any hints on getting it out?
Thanks,
John
Thanks,
John
Can't tell you though if the hurst will go in with the exhaust in place.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Norwalk Ohio
I replaced my worn out stock shifter with a Hurst unit this past spring. I did it with the exhaust in place. It SUCKED! But we were able to do it with a bit of creativity. I suggest you at least get all 4 wheels up so you can get under there to work. I put the front and rear wheels up on ramps so the whole car was level. (Tip - if you put the car up on 4 ramps, point all the ramps towards the middle of the car so it can't roll off)
It sucks, but it can be done. If you do it, I suggest you stock up on band-aids for your knuckles in advance.
Mwieczorek
It sucks, but it can be done. If you do it, I suggest you stock up on band-aids for your knuckles in advance.
Mwieczorek
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,412
Likes: 792
From: Redondo Beach, California
I removed my shifter from a sidepipe 68, so there was no interference from an exhaust pipe. I hadn't removed a shifter for many years, so I found it a bit of a challenge even with no exhaust pipe interference. It didn't help that the shifter was buried under maybe 1/2 inch of grease and sand.
I found Volunteer Vette (forum sponsor) a good source of Muncie shifter parts. They sell all the parts, and of course complete new shifters. If you're going to install a Muncie shifter, now is the time to order part 532088 from Corvette Central. ($1.95) Its the alignment shim you need to realign the Muncie shifter. Strangely it appears Corvette Central is the only one who sells this part and the last time I looked it was only listed in their C2 catalog!!
I found Volunteer Vette (forum sponsor) a good source of Muncie shifter parts. They sell all the parts, and of course complete new shifters. If you're going to install a Muncie shifter, now is the time to order part 532088 from Corvette Central. ($1.95) Its the alignment shim you need to realign the Muncie shifter. Strangely it appears Corvette Central is the only one who sells this part and the last time I looked it was only listed in their C2 catalog!!
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Advanced
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
whered ya get it?
Originally Posted by Bob Onit
If you do go with the Hurst and still want to keep the stock look these are very cool
Bolts right up where the hurst handle goes
The lockout is non functional, just for looks
Bolts right up where the hurst handle goes
The lockout is non functional, just for looks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,342
Likes: 7
From: Connecticut
Originally Posted by grezmnky1
where did you get the stock look alike handle for the hurst shifter?
About $90 but worth it if you want the original look and feel
The lockout handle even has a spring in it so it feels correct
I think I have seen them at Jeggs or Summitt for less.
http://www.madvet.com/shop?frame=1.1178
