Could I trouble someone for some pistol grip shifter info

[FROSTBITE]

Seems like pistol grip shifters are some of the coolest things you could get on a mopar. But i was thinking... I dont really know much about them. About all i know for sure is hurst makes like 3 different reproduction ones.

What Years/Cars could you get one on?

Where they available for automatics from the factory?

Did both Dodge and Plymouth Offer them?

How did they come about?

 

[HYRDGOON]

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong but from what I recall they were introduced in 1970, not available in automatics from the factory and yes they were available in both Dodge and Plymouth (I've seen them in Challengers)

As for how they came about.... assuming someone around 1969 said "Hey I have a cool idea...... the end"


found this on a website

The next noteworthy revisions come in 1970. First, a new 2.47-low close-ratio gearset is introduced for the T/A and AAR E-bodies (which later becomes standard in most 4-speed cars). Then the outrageous "pistol grip" shifter is released (this has since become a much-sought-after restoration item). It consists of a beefy, flat chrome stick with two woodgrain grips attached to each side and a shift-pattern logo cap on top. Cars equipped with this shifter also enjoy a new set of transmission levers, punched with an extra set of holes for those who want extra-short-throw shifting.

 

[1971 plymouth roadrunner]

they were also available in 1970-1974 chargers and in 1970-1971 super bee

 

[YY1]

...and 4 speed only.

3 speed on the floor got the standard ball.

 

[Photon440]

Seems like pistol grip shifters are some of the coolest things you could get on a mopar. But i was thinking... I dont really know much about them. About all i know for sure is hurst makes like 3 different reproduction ones.

What Years/Cars could you get one on?

Where they available for automatics from the factory?

Did both Dodge and Plymouth Offer them?

How did they come about?

I don't know if you're able to read this magazine text, it's the story of the Pistol Grip shifters from Mopar Action Aug. 2012.

 

[satman72]

Cool story

 

[bigblock]

70 only also had its own shift mechanism with longer fingers,due to the long stick.

 

[krowbar]

I made mine.

 

[HYRDGOON]

"this shifter also enjoy a new set of transmission levers, punched with an extra set of holes for those who want extra-short-throw shifting."

This line interested me. I have a long stick that curves a bit (yup I said it!) and my throw is really long.... I've heard about cutting each of the throw rods a bit shorter but seems like a lot of guesswork.


Here's a pic of my curved shaft

 

[bee71]

Again, the dedication and creativity of that era is something to behold. Engineers and the like from all manufacturers testing their ideas on Woodward Ave. I was fortunate enough to witness it in my earlier years.

 

[MoparMitch]

The 70 Cuda 383 4spd car I just bought has a shifter like this Cuda. Note No Console.

 

[FROSTBITE]

Neat Stuff!

 

[bigmanjbmopar]

Not fair the autos didn't get to play with those!

So screw it had Duncan make me one. Feels good in the hand

 

[Bigcountry]

Tallhair, I thought the one on the far right(bottom?) with the big bend was for console.

 

[PlumcrazyRR]

Tallhair, I thought the one on the far right(bottom?) with the big bend was for console.

Yes, you are correct. The with console handle has the much bigger bend. The pic below is a 1970 B body handle with console minus the grip.

 

[tallhair]

Tallhair, I thought the one on the far right(bottom?) with the big bend was for console.

That's correct I just didn't call them out individually I guess i should haven reversed the order in the comment said one on non console and one console but though it would be apparent .. it was early when i made the post hehe sorry

There were two 70 B body shifters 1 console and 1 non console - far right

 

[WAYNES WORLD]

Great read, thanks for posting.
Wayne

 

[wedge69]

The pistol grip in the B,body has a diferent mech than the other's. The arm's are LONGER to make the throw shorter.
If you take a standerd hurst mech and put a pistol crip handle on it you will be swinging a long shot from gear to gear !
This is the one I ran and it was dead on every time

 

[6pktgo]

Not to mention, SMASHING your knuckles on the hard plastic dash pad, power shifting, from 2nd to 3rd!!

1970 only ,used the 7174 shifter box, (# on the reverse lever)

 

[Moparparts]

70 B-Body also used all three different linkage rods for the long pistol grip 4-speed as well as a double sided swivel on the reverse rod for part of the key release interlock lockout system