Manual Transmission Shifter Ball Options?
Moderator: Joe Johnston
- Florida_Phil
- Posts: 171
- Joined: Sat Jul 15, 2017 11:17 am
Manual Transmission Shifter Ball Options?
Are there any options to replace my 1955 Thunderbird manual transmission door knob shifter ball? Will a round Hurst ball or similar fit?
Re: Manual Transmission Shifter Ball Options?
Funny you should ask, I have always liked the looks of the white Hurst knob. What I did was get a white one with the 3spd pattern then I drilled it out slightly larger and used a tap that matched the size and thread of the stick in my 56, looks pretty cool. Its been a while since I did it so I don't remember the size of the tap. Just pick a tap that fits the original knob.
Re: Manual Transmission Shifter Ball Options?
I would have posted a picture but couldn't figure it out and finally gave up.
- Florida_Phil
- Posts: 171
- Joined: Sat Jul 15, 2017 11:17 am
Re: Manual Transmission Shifter Ball Options?
Good idea. Thanks for the tip!
- redstangbob
- Posts: 3604
- Joined: Fri May 02, 2008 4:06 pm
- Location: 40 miles east of Wixom
Re: Manual Transmission Shifter Ball Options?
looks like we need a new 'how to' on posting, it can't get much easier nowI would have posted a picture but couldn't figure it out and finally gave up.
It's gonna be cool when it's done
And now it's really cool !!
59 convertible
58 convertible
65 hardtop
And now it's really cool !!
59 convertible
58 convertible
65 hardtop
- Florida_Phil
- Posts: 171
- Joined: Sat Jul 15, 2017 11:17 am
Re: Manual Transmission Shifter Ball Options?
Looks good! I see you used the Hurst boot and trim ring as well. I wouldn't have thought of that. Thanks!
Re: Manual Transmission Shifter Ball Options?
Its actually the original chrome surround and boot, the picture not real clear.
- Florida_Phil
- Posts: 171
- Joined: Sat Jul 15, 2017 11:17 am
Re: Manual Transmission Shifter Ball Options?
My car is a '55 and doesn't have the chrome surround, just the boot. Is that stock? If so, where can I buy the chrome trim surround?
Re: Manual Transmission Shifter Ball Options?
I would think the 55 would be the same, are you sure its not covered up by the carpet.
- Florida_Phil
- Posts: 171
- Joined: Sat Jul 15, 2017 11:17 am
Re: Manual Transmission Shifter Ball Options?
My '55 car has a metal lip sticking through the carpet where the boot attaches. I have never seen a TBird with the chrome trim piece that yours has. My parts book does not show this piece either.
Re: Manual Transmission Shifter Ball Options?
I guess they were on 56-57 birds, if you go to thunderbirdseast.com they have a picture of a restored one for sale.
- Florida_Phil
- Posts: 171
- Joined: Sat Jul 15, 2017 11:17 am
Re: Manual Transmission Shifter Ball Options?
I ordered an old school 3 speed shifter ball on EBay. The threads on my '55 are 3/8" x 24. The ball fit without any modification. Much better in my opinion.