[1950Mercury]

I located the front mounting holes for my console. Did a dry run and notice shifter hits in 2nd and 4th gear. It appears that the shifter lays back too far. When I got the car it had a later Hurst shifter bolt on handle. The mounting plate is stamped steel. Is there a difference in these mounting plates that positions the shifter further back or forward? I see that the stock plate Hurst number is 977 6403. Has anyone else had this issue?

[3X24SPD]

The factory Hurst used a plate with a slot that you could adjust the angle of the shifter handle to center it in the console.
If you have an aftermarket shifter, it probably has the plate with only 1 set of holes and no adjustment provision.
You could probably get the factory adaptor plate and use your aftermarket shifter and just adjust the linkage accordingly.

[1950Mercury]

Thank you. The car had the later shifter and console was not there when I got the car. I bought a late 64 shifter and a 64 console. But I did not realize all shifter mounts are not the same. I kinda thought the shifter was leaning back somewhat. It wasn't till I did a test fit of console there was an issue. From what I understand that mount is a G.M. part. Not Hurst Specifically 64/66. I now have the correct one coming.

[1lms]

Adjustment is key as the hole for the shifter in the 64 console is a little smaller than the later ones (65,66,67).

[1950Mercury]

Yes . I was told by the gentleman that sold me the console that I needed to use 64 shifter or there could be interference issues with reverse. No problem with that at this point. Just 2nd and 4th. I have toe correct mount on it's way.

[1lms]

There isnt any difference between the 64 and 65/66 shifters other than the bend in the handle which is above the console surface.
The issue you are having has to do with the levers used to shift the trans and the mount.
The factory levers are 1 year only for 64. They were a bit shorter than 65/66 to solve the smaller hole in the console.
If you are using aftermarket levers and mounting plate you will have the hitting issues.

[1lms]

There isnt any difference between the 64 and 65/66 shifters other than the bend in the handle which is above the console surface.
The issue you are having has to do with the levers used to shift the trans and the mount.
The factory levers are 1 year only for 64. They were a bit shorter than 65/66 to solve the smaller hole in the console.
If you are using aftermarket levers and mounting plate you will have the hitting issues.

[1950Mercury]

Thank you for that info. I determined the mount was part of the issue. I think if I change that it may remedy my issue. Just curious will a 65 or 66 top fit a 64 bottom console?

[1lms]

yes

[1950Mercury]

I notice the hole on the rubber shifter boot is not in the center of the boot. Does the hole favor to the front or back toward the seat if it really matters. Must be a reason it is offset. Still waiting for my shifter mount. Seems the Post office has lost it.

[lust4speed]

Two solutions for hitting the console when the shift handle comes back in 2nd and 4th and hits the edge. First is to move the console back and center the throw in the hole. This requires new screw holes in the floor to move the console and not that much fun. Second is to insert the 1/4" rod in the shifter base to keep the levers centered, loosen the shifter base bolts, and then adjust all the rods bringing the shift handle forward to center things up.