66 Galaxie Toploader Shifter Question

[Diogenes]

I am exploring a toploader conversion and have come to a couple of stumbling points. Has anyone used a Hurst shifter with a console in a 66? I have an "old" Hurst catalog from 97 and it only lists a shifter for "w/o console". I will be making my own shift plate, so I'm wondering if the 391-6848 will work, of course this is also listed for 64 and 65, not a 66. Is it a different transmission for 66?

[shady]

I put a big in/out TL from a 66 7 litre bucket seats in my 63 Galaxie bench seat and the shifter mounting was perfect. Same location as the T-10. Just changed the handle to the 63. The stock Ford shifter was well worn and I changed it out to a used Hurst and the only thing I had to do was modify the hurst handle. Later Hursts have a bolt on handle so it's easy to change it out. Don't know if this helps you or not.

[wayne]

I have a toploader out of a 65 but i dont remember if it had a console it had bucket seats it was a 390 and has a hurst shifter on it the handle dont bend until 2/3 of the way up.

[bsprowl]

Yes they are different.  The Hurst shifter with console has a couple of bends to allow it to come out in the center of the console. I've got the original box from "back in the day" somewhere in storage.  If I find it I will post the part number. 

It's pain to setup with a reverse lockout lever. 

[Diogenes]

Apparently Hurst quit making that particular shifter quite a while ago, since the console option isn't listed. Bummer--it may shut down my conversion given that I want to keep my console.

[bsprowl]

Hurst kit part number was FXL-4-66.  Shifter number 4103.  Mounting plate 2204. 

You could make one by welding in a piece with the necessary bends.

[Diogenes]

Thank you for all the info.

I did locate a new/NOS shifter, and an install kit, but I'm not willing to pay my weight in gold. It also seems there are a few variables in converting that may make purchasing the correct parts a challenge, so it looks like I'll be sticking with my console and the C6.

[rockhouse66]

David Kee has the Hurst shifter with provision for a bolt on handle.  You could modify an original handle to align with your console and bolt to the shifter.  It would look stock from inside the car.  Kee might even make up the handle for you but you would need the offset dimensions to suit the console.

[Lenz]

Amen. I'm running David Kee stuff and in my view that's where you need to go first.

[cammerfe]

A few thoughts for 'The Cynical One'---

My first new car was a '64 Custom with a 427, and my second new car was a '65 1/2 Mustang 'K' fastback. I tell you that to say I was there when the '60s cars were new.

Before I'd gone 25 miles in the Custom, I'd wrecked the palm on my right hand due to the sharp knurling around the circumference of the factory shift knob. I took a file to the knurl, and went to Gratiot Auto and bought a replacement Hurst shifter as soon as I got paid the next Friday. I've never regretted it. The factory shift handle was probably about as thick as my index finger, and a solid shift caused a perceptible flex in it. The feel of the Hurst was infinitely better.

I never worried about making changes to my car to make it work better for me. I did pay attention to anything that'd detract from its value at trade-in time, so I mounted the tach, a Sun Super, on the corner of the speaker grille. When I replaced the grille, the holes under the lip weren't visible so everything was alright. That's the way I did most of the 'improvements'. Unless your goal is a 'Display Queen', where you might lose 'points' for replacements, such changes as a Hurst Shifter won't make any difference. And the solidity of the Hurst will increase your enjoyment as you drive the car.

KS

[Diogenes]

A few thoughts for 'The Cynical One'---

Cynical, as in ancient Greek Cynicism, though the "modern" variation is admittedly fitting as well

I certainly acknowledge the quality of a Hurst, but its not like converting a Fairlane, Mustang, Torino--those pieces are still readily available and still reasonably priced. A toploader would definitely add to the enjoyment of the car, and the value, especially if the console can be retained. Unfortunately, the availability of the parts, not to mention the costs, are something of an issue. I originally thought I had the hard to find pieces already--the pedal assembly and bell crank/springs, but I was mistaken. The Hurst shifter went obsolete long ago, and to have a piece custom made is a bit more than I can justify for the car. The C6 and console runs down the road very well, I just miss rowing my own... such is life.

[wayne]

What cammer fe said is still true to day factory shifters still suck a have a fox mustang one of the best things i did to it was a hurst. The newest car i tried the shifter in was a 2018 and i still would change it . They are not cheap i bought a hurst for my 69 mach i 428 it was over 500.00 i have a old toploader ram rod like new and was offered 250.00 for it.

[AlanCasida]

I'm going to a big swap meet in Chickasha, Ok this weekend. I'll keep an eye out for a shifter. Being a fellow '66 Galaxie owner, I know what they look like.