1968 Dual Gate Shifter
 

I have what is supposed to be a correct factory dual gate shifter. Is it the correct unit? If so how does the top plate attach? It has clips but looks like there are a couple brackets that bolt on the shifter the clips go thru? Pics are not real good but can take better ones if needed. Thanks, Jim

You're missing a plate that the fascia clips to. It attaches to the underside of the console first, then you screw it to the shifter body. It attaches with phillips screws rather than the bolts on your shifter.

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...1&d=1534265047

Thank you. I thought something was missing.

You'll have to get rid of those bolts when you get the missing part, the fascia won't clip on if the bolts are used in most cases.

Is this plate specific to 68 consoles with dual gate shifters?

Can't speak for 2 speed automatic shifters but that plate is good for 68 on up either with Dual Gate or Rally shifters. Maybe there's exceptions?

This is the plate from my 69 console.

Yup! Lay it on top of the Dual Gate. Everything should line up.

Any idea if a 30.25”+ shift cable is required for these or will a regular 29.5” cable work without issue.

Can't say but both shifters are about externally the same, the cable comes out in the same location, and mount in the same position. Can't imagine 3/4" can make much if any difference.

One odd thing is there is no anchor point from shifter frame to the floor on the front- only the two bolts in the back.

The 67 Dual Gate bolts to the floorboard at four points. The 68 has the two bolts mounting to the floor, the rest is held once fastened to the console. No hard shifts compared to a manual so not much support required. The other automatics bolt up the same way. The dual gates look so much nicer than the others IMO.

Thanks - you’re a wealth of knowledge. I think the 67-69 dual gates are some of the nicest factory shifters which is why I want to use it in my 69. Though the wood grain pattern on the 68 shifter bezel is perpendicular to the 69 pattern.

You're too kind, but I'm no expert. I've dealt with several of these over the years and plan to use a similar one in my 69 Lemans (although not exactly the same thing but set up using a Hurst Auto Stick III that mounts the same way and uses the dual gate top bezel. My own creation) when I go back to an automatic.
My cable will attach to the factory back lock system for neutral safety switch but can't vouch for how well it will work. Can't be much different from the factory Rally Shifter in the 69's.

Sounds slick. My 69 bird has the “1-2-3” on the right of the bezel and the shifter handle is spring loaded allowing it to be used similar to a dual gates but the bezel has a single style..

While you've got the shifter out, check out the neutral safety switch as they often have intermittent problems when they age. Here's how to restore continuity if all of the mechanicals are still in tact.

https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...d.php?t=860772

Please keep in mind, it is apples and oranges about the neutral safety switches between 68 and 69. As noted, the 68 uses an internal mounted switch IN the shifter. The 69 switch is on the steering column which is activated via the mechanical back lock linkage to the shifter.
In other words, 69 automatics didn't have that internal mounted switch IN the shifter. So, you'll have to run your shifter cable thru the back lock linkage in your 69, (perhaps your factory shifter cable would work, I don't know...) to make everything work. And then you can eliminate the switch in the 68 shifter.
There may be another way that people have found around this, but this should be the simplest way IMO.

Thanks for making that point. I missed your earlier comment on the neutral safety switch and back lock linkage.