Professor
Member
Okay. This is my fourth Stang and second S197. In the past I have always changed the shifter, but this time I'd rather not. I actually think the factory one is silky smooth (some would call it sloppy ... that's their right). However, I never have trouble finding gears, even under WOT ... That said ...
I am 6'4". Unfortunately, no one designs automobile ergonomics around tall people. So ... to sit properly in my Mustang, I have to scoot the seat all the way back, lower the seat to its lowest point and tilt the seat back some. Then I can see redlights under the visors if I don't pull too far up.
Anyway, my height seems to be in my legs because, while I can reach the steering wheel fine, the shifter in it's stock configuration is too far foward; hence my desire for a handle that brings the stock shifter up and back. Both the Hurst and Steeda shifter handles accomplish this well. (My last S197 had a Hurst).
Unfortunately, no one seems to make an adaptor to make a Hurst handle (or Steeda handle) fit the factory shifter. It doesn't seem like rocket science, but I am not a machinist. The Steeda handle, it seems like it might be possible to drill and tap the bottom of the handle such that it accepts the factory threads. It's possible the side walls might be a little thin requiring some additional welded reinforcement.
It seems like the Hurst handle would work with a cylinder (bored out to the factory 12x1.25 threads) welded to a vertical plate with the required two mounting holes. Again, it doesn't look like rocket science, but no one has done it.
Has no one found a way to mount the Hurst or Steeda (Billet Pro Street) or Barton Flat Stick shifter handle to the factory shifter to the stock handle? Has anyone fabricated a cool solution to the short/stubby stock shifter placement and retained their factory shifter?
Please post your solutions (with pics if possible). Oh ... and yes, I know the simple solution is to buy an aftermarket shifter. I have also seen the endless MGW rules, Barton rules, Pro 5.0 is good, Steeda is good, and the love/hate relationship with the Hurst. I'm trying to go in a different direction here.
Hot rodders are known for innovative solutions ... so let's see/hear what you got!
I am 6'4". Unfortunately, no one designs automobile ergonomics around tall people. So ... to sit properly in my Mustang, I have to scoot the seat all the way back, lower the seat to its lowest point and tilt the seat back some. Then I can see redlights under the visors if I don't pull too far up.
Anyway, my height seems to be in my legs because, while I can reach the steering wheel fine, the shifter in it's stock configuration is too far foward; hence my desire for a handle that brings the stock shifter up and back. Both the Hurst and Steeda shifter handles accomplish this well. (My last S197 had a Hurst).
Unfortunately, no one seems to make an adaptor to make a Hurst handle (or Steeda handle) fit the factory shifter. It doesn't seem like rocket science, but I am not a machinist. The Steeda handle, it seems like it might be possible to drill and tap the bottom of the handle such that it accepts the factory threads. It's possible the side walls might be a little thin requiring some additional welded reinforcement.
It seems like the Hurst handle would work with a cylinder (bored out to the factory 12x1.25 threads) welded to a vertical plate with the required two mounting holes. Again, it doesn't look like rocket science, but no one has done it.
Has no one found a way to mount the Hurst or Steeda (Billet Pro Street) or Barton Flat Stick shifter handle to the factory shifter to the stock handle? Has anyone fabricated a cool solution to the short/stubby stock shifter placement and retained their factory shifter?
Please post your solutions (with pics if possible). Oh ... and yes, I know the simple solution is to buy an aftermarket shifter. I have also seen the endless MGW rules, Barton rules, Pro 5.0 is good, Steeda is good, and the love/hate relationship with the Hurst. I'm trying to go in a different direction here.
Hot rodders are known for innovative solutions ... so let's see/hear what you got!
