Shorten stock shifter handle
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Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: ATTICA,.OHIO
Shorten stock shifter handle
I thought that I read somewhere that owners where doing this instead of
a new shifter. Is this worthwhile? I realize that every little bit will reduce
shifter throw . Has anyone out there tried it, and what is your opinon of
this mod? What is the thread size?? Thanks.
a new shifter. Is this worthwhile? I realize that every little bit will reduce
shifter throw . Has anyone out there tried it, and what is your opinon of
this mod? What is the thread size?? Thanks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 6,101
Likes: 44
From: ABQ NM
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Shorten stock shifter handle (MAG RAG)
Mag, the thread size for the shifter handle is, I believe, 9/16-18. My recollection is that people who have done this mod have liked the results.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,827
Likes: 352
From: Albuquerque NM
Re: Shorten stock shifter handle (wamara)
I did this, and for a low cost mod (ZERO), it's great. If you combine a shortened shifter lever with a smaller shift ****, (I use a flameball, and love it) the effect on shifter throws is very noticeable. In addition, with the **** sitting lower, it doesn't block the lower center console controls. :yesnod: Besides, what do you have to lose? If you don't like it, you can still put in the aftermarket shifter. :cheers: BTW, I didn't have to rethread the lever, just left enough threads for the **** , and dressed the end of the cut with a file.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 383
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville FL
Re: Shorten stock shifter handle (6Speeder)
6 speeder, how much did you shorten your shifter and how did you do it? If you have any pics of the new shifter I would like to see them. Thanks :cheers:
[Modified by BatVette, 10:17 AM 2/1/2002]
[Modified by BatVette, 10:17 AM 2/1/2002]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 6,101
Likes: 44
From: ABQ NM
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Shorten stock shifter handle (BatVette)
Batvette, I think most people are cutting 5/8" - 3/4" off. Just pop off the ****, put down some drop cloths, and hacksaw away. Although you can dress the threads w/ a file as noted, I would think it's simpler to thread a nut on the shaft (which can also function as a guide for your cut), and then when you're done and take the nut off, you'll clean up the threads automatically.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,361
Likes: 0
From: Sugar Land, TX USA
Re: Shorten stock shifter handle (MAG RAG)
Also, remember that one of the reasons we go to aftermarket shifters is to eliminate the spongy feel of the stocker. There is a rubber isolator between the inner and outer shaft. To firm up the feel, I would recommend cross drilling the lower (fat) part of the shaft and inserting roll pins, two about an inch apart and ninety degrees to one another. :cheers:
[Modified by MySea5, 10:31 AM 2/1/2002]
[Modified by MySea5, 10:31 AM 2/1/2002]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 1
From: Morganton, NC, USA
Re: Shorten stock shifter handle (MySea5)
I shortened my shifter by 1 1/4" a different way. I cut off the threaded end piece where it flares out to go around the bottom piece. The two are concentric and joined together by the rubber isolator. I then cut away some of the outer tube and rubber exposing about 1 1/4" of the bottom shaft. This was 10mm in diameter, but I carefully ground it down to 3/8" and threaded it 3/8"-24. The top shaft, which is what the **** is threaded to, is already hollow, but I drilled it out 21/64" and tapped it 3/8"-24. The two pieces were then screwed together with some "just-in-case" Loctite. I now have a solid steel connection between the shift **** and the working end. The remaining rubber on the lower piece provides some damping, so I don't get any buzzing noises. I did form a cone of silicone between the bottom piece which is about 1 1/4" dia. and the upper shaft, 9/6" dia. so the leather boot cover wouldn't contact a sharp edge. Works for me. :cheers:
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