[scld1354]

Hi everyone. I have been accumulating 4 speed parts for a 65 or 66 fullsize. I don't have everything yet but I have a really good start. I found a good thread that has part numbers of the individual components, as well as whether they are B body specific (or can be taken from A bodies... I can't find the thread at the moment but will.)

My question is about the shifter. I know the fullsize have specific shifters, handles and shifter rods. But, if I can't find them / don't want to pay for them, can I use the shifter assembly and rods from an A body?

[mgarblik]

I don't have an exact answer to your question. However, I have to assume you have the correct long tailshaft Muncie transmission designed for these cars? These transmissions have a longer main shaft than other Muncie transmissions and the tail housing is unique to fit this. Since the shifter bolts to the tail housing, I assume all the linkage is unique to this set-up.

[mgarblik]

https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...d.php?t=711575

The link above may be helpful.

[scld1354]

Originally Posted by mgarblik

I don't have an exact answer to your question. However, I have to assume you have the correct long tailshaft Muncie transmission designed for these cars? These transmissions have a longer main shaft than other Muncie transmissions and the tail housing is unique to fit this. Since the shifter bolts to the tail housing, I assume all the linkage is unique to this set-up.

Thanks for the link. I do have the correct, long tailshaft Muncie. I also have a bellhousing and flywheel, a tach, 65/66 pedals, a console, the "Z" bar, and some other of the pedal/clutch linkage. What I don't have, or have any info about, is the shifter and shifter linkage.

I read in another post there are differences between the "A" body and "B" body shifter linkage, but I seem to remember the different was in how the linkage attaches to the shifter arms on the trans(?).

I would give it a try, but shifters are getting pretty expensive. I would have to buy one and have it not fit or not work.

[mgarblik]

Sounds like you have almost all the bases covered. I have one other bit of advice that may help. A forum member here is named Peter Serio. He is an absolute expert on all things Hurst Shifter related. He also published a book about Hurst shifters. You might want to send him a private message and see if he responds. Very likely he knows all the answers by part number! Good luck with your conversion. I owned a 4-speed 66 2+2 for almost 2 decades. Much fun to drive.

[MPKind]

To answer your question, B-Body Hurst shifters for 65-8 are unique to those cars. Hurst made 2 sticks, one for bench 3739 and one for bucket 3139 console setup. The bucket seat version is more common and will work in a bench seat car unless you have the seat all the way forward. A Body sticks are shorter and could work, but you'd still need the correct linkage. New linkage for these cars is not available, so you'll have to find a used set on eBay or elsewhere. I had to borrow a 3-4 rod and have a new one made using it as a pattern.

If you find a shifter and rods, hopefully it's not junk. The shifter rebuild used to be a great deal 25 years ago, but Pete Serio increased his shop fee quite a bit if I recall...not sure if he's even doing this anymore. The bottom line is you'll probably have to pay more than you want to complete the conversion. Rare parts and limited services are just part of the restoration game where everyone wants to get things for cheap.

There's a lot of information online that details more info about these parts. Use AI or search this forum for more info. I know others and myself have discussed these parts at length in this 61-66 Tech forum. Use the search engine and see what you can find. Look in the classifieds on here too, there are members that buy and sell these rare parts somewhat regularly.

Good luck!