Linkage Question

[Neal]

When I purchased my '58, I was a bit disappointed it had a '69 Muncie tranny rather than a BW, but having since found out the rebuild cost differential, I now understand why one of the previous owners made the switch. But I've got a question regarding the linkage. The current setup is clunky at best, plus my hand hits the console when shifting into third gear.

My question is, can I purchase a "correct" linkage setup for it and if so, who sells it? Thanks............

 

[WayneC]

My understanding has always been that the shifter setups are interchangeable between the BW and Muncie 4 speed transmissions... what shifter does your 58 currently have?

Try this link: http://www.gccorvettes.com/Catalogs/catalogs.htm

Click on 58-62 catalog to get a downloaded pdf catalog and go to page 11 of the catalog.

Here's a link to another vendor:

http://www.parts123.com/PartFrame.asp?ZTM=cadefibe&GHOME=www.corvettecentral.com/&TITLE=Corvette_Central

Do a search on "shifter" , in shifter/transmission section, year 58

 

[Neal]

My understanding has always been that the shifter setups are interchangeable between the BW and Muncie 4 speed transmissions... what shifter does your 58 currently have?

Try this link: http://www.gccorvettes.com/Catalogs/catalogs.htm

Click on 58-62 catalog to get a downloaded pdf catalog and go to page 11 of the catalog.

Here's a link to another vendor:

http://www.parts123.com/PartFrame.asp?ZTM=cadefibe&GHOME=www.corvettecentral.com/&TITLE=Corvette_Central

Do a search on "shifter" , in shifter/transmission section, year 58

Thanks. I tried to upload a picture of it, but obviously failed. And since I don't know the answer to your question, I'm trying another angle. Please go to http://home.earthlink.net/~hondoboy/ and there I've posted a picture of it. Like I said, big and clunky. :L

 

[WayneC]

The link to the pic didn't work for me.

"Big and clunky" sounds like a Hurst shifter or some other aftermarket setup meant for rough use at the drag strip... which can be desirable, or undesirable, depending on how it fits, since it may not have been designed specifically to fit in your Vette. If it has long threaded sections on the rods tthat connect the shifter lever to the transmission, it may be possible to thread the nuts further onto the rods to shorten them slightly and thereby move/pivot the shifter handle back away from the dash a bit in the first and third gear positions.

 

[Neal]

The link to the pic didn't work for me.

Maybe this explains why I'm an unemployed IT guy! :L Anyways, please try THIS link: http://home.earthlink.net/~hondoboy/

 

[maxphunn]

Yup...that's a big one

Looks more like a shifter from a mid-year. My '59 also came with a Muncie but had an original shifter. Tiny compared to what you show in the pic. It now has the Hurst lower part and linkage, but the replacement original style handle.

 

[Mikey1]

A bigger picture and as well one form the underside of the car would be nice.

However this looks like a 63 midyear shifter but difficult to tell to the insufficient size of the pic.

 

[Neal]

Thanks everyone, it would appear I can indeed replace my shift linkage with a more original looking setup, even though I have a Muncie tranny rather than Borg Warner. Now I need to get a job so I can afford to spend the $$ to buy it.

 

[WayneC]

Looks like a stock Muncie shifter to me (1964 and later).