Changing Hurst Pistol grip shifter

[Texas97]

My 1970 Charger has the correct and beautiful Hurst Pistol Grip shifter... but at the risk of getting boo'd out of this place, functionally, driving it and using it, i just dont really like it that much. i would prefer a round ball shifter, something i rest my hand on when driving, and gives what i consider to be the proper "hand on top" shifting position.

am i the only one?

Does anyone have an alternative? luckily, its just two bolts on the top that pull the shifter off. easy change. any suggestions?

here are pics of my setup:

 

[Texas97]

i found this.... would this one replace this pistol grip and have the correct angles?

1966-1970 B-BODY HURST REPLACEMENT SHIFT HANDLE CONSOLE - Mopar A833 4-Speed Transmission & Component Specialists

 

[WileE]

Ok... you asked for it

 

[WileE]

But seriously, just a hunch, not sure that handle would work due to the proximity of the dashboard ? Perhaps contact Dan first.

 

[1 Wild R/T]

The 66-69 stick will work fine.. Most guys put the pistol grip in earlier cars cause of how cool it looks... Your clearly not "most guys"... Your car, have it your way... Honestly it's a bad habit to keep your hand on the shifter when not changing gears, it can cause premature wear to the synchro's, sliders & shift forks...

 

[Texas97]

The 66-69 stick will work fine.. Most guys put the pistol grip in earlier cars cause of how cool it looks... Your clearly not "most guys"... Your car, have it your way... Honestly it's a bad habit to keep your hand on the shifter when not changing gears, it can cause premature wear to the synchro's, sliders & shift forks...

mostly as something that is between shifts and anticipating shifts. im not talking about cruising with pressure on it.

edit: and yes it looks cool, but i think anything in a 1970 Dodge Charger manual shift looks cool. just from a functional standpoint, i miss the shift ball. daily drove a manual with a ball for 17 years. i miss it.

 

[chargervert]

Yes you are the only one!

 

[Texas97]

But seriously, just a hunch, not sure that handle would work due to the proximity of the dashboard ? Perhaps contact Dan first.

im not sure who Dan is. can you expand?

 

[R/T Boy 67]

I know I will be thrown off the site for this, but as far as looks go, I prefer the inland shifter.

 

[1 Wild R/T]

im not sure who Dan is. can you expand?

Dan Brewer..
Home - Mopar A833 4-Speed Transmission & Component Specialists

 

[chargervert]

I know I will be thrown off the site for this, but as far as looks go, I prefer the inland shifter.

Banned!

 

[chargervert]

I was rowing my pistol grip shifter around in my modern Challenger and loving every minute of it!

 

[Richard Cranium]

edit: and yes it looks cool, but i think anything in a 1970 Dodge Charger manual shift looks cool. just from a functional standpoint, i miss the shift ball. daily drove a manual with a ball for 17 years. i miss it.

Tom Green misses his ball too.

 

[33 IMP]

Once you change the stick, you can use a ball or a T-handle. I used to change back and forth in my car, depending on my mood.

And now I've made pistol grips for my automatic shifters, lol.

 

[Coelacanth]

And now I've made pistol grips for my automatic shifters, lol.

I've seen a few cars with the pistol grips for auto shifters, now that's something I'd love to add to my '70 Charger...

 

[Runcharger]

To be honest I have put my hand over top the pistol grip, it is more comfrtable. Nothing beats the looks though. Yes the 69 Hurst console lever will work.

 

[68_661charger]

The previous owner of my old 70 R/T cut the pistol grip end off the shifter and welded a ball to it with a line lock. Im not sure if it was for comfort or faster shifting at the track. I still have that shifter and am probably going to put it in my truck.

 

[AR67GTX]

I’ve never driven a car with the pistol grip so this observation may be invalid. The pistol grip always seems to be positioned well over to the left, just a few inches from the steering wheel which looks really handy for driving and throwing shifts. I’m not sure if the standard Hurst console shifter lever and ball for the 68-70 years is positioned as nicely. Hopefully it is as the repro inland lever on a Hurst in my 66 is about as handy to the passenger as it is to the driver.

 

[guy gadbois]

Whatever you do, pop the extra 20 bux or so for the 'vintage' Hurst ball - if thats what you end up using - and not the 'modern' one that says Hurst on the side. That just reeks of 'recent' as well as "Im trying to be cool but dont know the difference' to me...

 

[Texas97]

Whatever you do, pop the extra 20 bux or so for the 'vintage' Hurst ball - if thats what you end up using - and not the 'modern' one that says Hurst on the side. That just reeks of 'recent' as well as "Im trying to be cool but dont know the difference' to me...

good point. i looked around a little more and found the "Classic". I initially didnt find one with the 5 speed w/ R lower right version. i only found the 4 speed versions.