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Bryan Jensen · 03-09-2006, 03:30 AM

I've got a really nice one I'd like to use as a donor...I pretty much axed out the idea of keeping my column shift awhile back, so I'm converting mine over to a console/floor shifter setup

...and after much looking, I went for the B&M Megashifter. I like the classy design and all that. And I figure while my car is still stuck in the bodyshop I can try and keep working to make progress in other things while I wait.

My big question is I don't want it to look like I just cut a hole and put that really tall base mount on top of the console....I'd like to cut out the area where the 2 speed shifter was, and cover it up mounting theshifter boot and indicator plate to the top of the console bezel...

FYI this a picture I got off of the ultimategto.com site...that's basically what I want to do minus the tacky duct tape, of course.

Has anybody done this? Trying to do it so it looks thought out and not tacky.

Bryan

P.S. Are there any modifications or holes that need to be drilled for the shifter cable when converting over from a column to a floor shifted automatic? please advise.

blown 68 · 03-09-2006, 12:59 PM

bryan, i did this conversion on a '69 console, and it was alot of work to make it look good. i ended up making my own "top" plate, with the shift indicator, out of thin stainless, welded studs underneath to accept the indicator and light, cut out the slot for the boot, then hacked up the original bracket that held the original shift indicator plate to mount my new one.(it was used and in rough shape, so i wasn't trashing a good core),and made a new hole in the floor for the cable. one thing i ran into, the standard version is too low, when the shifter was in drive, the t handle was basically sitting on the console door, so i had to raise it up with spacers, in hindsight, i should have used the "truck" version, as it's higher, and adjustable. i will take pics tonight, and post them for you to see.
davey

Bryan Jensen · 03-09-2006, 01:19 PM

I don't think I'll have that problem with the 67 console, there is no "armrest", it's just a relatively thin lid that sits flush to the bezel.

I'm looking at that picture and it looks like it should fit without issues...that was off one of the old triple x stunt cars.

blown 68 · 03-09-2006, 03:06 PM

that's good, i am not familiar with the earlier setups. if you look at the boot, you will see that it is not attached to the the shifter arm, it's just "floating" up at the top, that is because the shifter itself is sitting so low, that you can't put the boot where it is supposed to go, about four inches lower than what is shown, mine "floats" like that also.
davey

Brian '74 · 03-09-2006, 03:36 PM

Those boots are nothing but a pain in the a$$. Even when they fit, they always pop off. I prefer a Quicksilver or Z-gate to a shifter w/ the rubber boots.

Bryan Jensen · 03-09-2006, 04:28 PM

Meh, they were on sale at a local speedshop here...and I got it for another reason...

I was going to tinker around with a really worn-out (and broken) 2 speed unit and just get a shiftworks kit....redo all the internals myself...but I figured by the time I spent all the money just to get it back to working properly (the shift arm rod was snapped off) I could just get a really cool aftermarket shifter.

Bryan

chipster · 03-09-2006, 06:16 PM

Bryan,
There is an article in the March/April Pontiac Enthusiast about swapping a Hurst Pro-Matic II shifter into a '65 GTO with a console. They have it sticking through the same slot the original shifter did, and I think it looks pretty good. Just needs a T-handle instead of the black ball.

lastchancegoat · 03-09-2006, 06:38 PM

Have a 66 GTO that I am putting a Hurst Pistol Grip Quarter Stick in. My plan is to get the aluminum cover for it and mount the thing in the proper spot on the trans hump. I am then going to take the console and replace the top with thin metal covered in wild cherry formica (it will match the custom dash I just finished which looks awesome). In the place where you see the duct tape I am going to place aluminum angle stock for a finished appearance. In the hole I will have to cut for the shifter to stick out I am going to line the hole with neat, small aluminum stock. All the aluminum will be carefully cut, mitered and attached with ss screws properly spaced and the whole thing highly polished. I will do this using the current consle as the backbome. All the aluminum stock is available at local hardware stores and if you go carefully it will look professionally done. Gives the opportunity to put in cup holders and perhaps some cool graphic design.

Again, am just starting this, but based on the looks of the dash - it should look good and set my ride apart.

wheelspin · 03-10-2006, 03:09 AM

You mean like this:

Les

Bud Lyons · 03-10-2006, 06:13 AM

Les, Your a show off!

Rugratman · 03-10-2006, 10:40 AM

I am actually stealing Les's idea as we speak. Also using the quick silver shifter.
Hoping to use the stock cover plate, if I can align it right.
I am having a hell of a time getting the proper height on the shifter itself.

yardbird_pro · 03-10-2006, 12:36 PM

clean install les!! i had the same console with the quick silver and the stock cover plate, took a lil work but it worked out fine.. but that was 20 years ago.

wheelspin · 03-10-2006, 01:25 PM

Thanks for the compliments on the shifter install, it makes the 8 hours of fabbing worthwhile

.

Les

marauder · 03-10-2006, 02:47 PM

Any pics of someone doing this on a '68 or newer? I'm not crazy about the Hurst Dual Gate I installed.

blown 68 · 03-10-2006, 11:50 PM

here are some shots of the 68-72 console setup, it took awhile to fab, i'm sure there is an easier way, but hey, that's me! (ditto on the 8 plus hours to fab,(i hope someone likes it

)
davey

wheelspin · 03-11-2006, 01:13 AM

Davey,

Sanitary install man. Looks factory @ first glance, which is the test I use

.

Les

showgoat67 · 03-12-2006, 06:31 PM

Brian i converted my 67 console to a B@M shifter if you want any ideas on it or want to see pics email me i will be glad to let you know how i did it.Was not that bad to do.

kenny

Rugratman · 03-13-2006, 10:26 AM

I would like to see some pic's.
Worked on it awhile last night...What did you use to shim up the shifter?
I can get it centered, I also have it center into the console, but the rear height is a little difficult, as it wants to sway left or right.
I am also trying to do this with the tranny in the car.

wheelspin · 03-13-2006, 11:17 AM

Rug,

I also installed the shifter with the trans in place.

I used "lag" screws (normally used with wood) and made the spacers from some old shock bushings. The spacers are tapered to match the tunnel shape and the screws are shortened (cut and ground to a point) once you have the proper length to prevent hitting the trans. Use "star" type locking washers on the screws to prevent loosening.

Les

Bryan Jensen · 11:51 AM

Just as a followup...can this conversion be done using the stock console 2 speed auto shifter cover???

The one that comes with the shifter is too wide to fit in the narrow 67 console, and I have a good one that I can use. It will fit but I'd have to move it wayyy up towards the back in order to have enough space to drop it in.

Has anybody done this as well? If I can just use the new one I will, then I'll just sell it with the original 2 speed that came with it.

Bryan

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