Anyone have a suggestion for a floor shift for my 55 CV? Oh yeah, it's a Ford-O. Thanks, Rowen

Rowen
55CV
Woodland, Ca

This doesn't answer the question, but there's some good info here on Gennie

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/my-you-didnt-build-that-27-t-roadster-build-thread.734383/page-41

The Gennie site also has some good info, but you'll probably have to call them.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

Thanks miker, ill check them out. Rowen

Rowen
55CV
Woodland, Ca

One option might be to use one out of a Thunderbird.  It would have the correct shift pattern anyway.  A little more expensive than an aftermarket, but it would have the vintage look.  Last time I priced one at a swap meet, the guy wanted about $300.  New neutral start switches let you start in park too.

Don

The shift lever coming out of the trans is usually different for a floor mounted shifter than a column mounted shifter.  I ran across this when I converted my Tbird to a C-4.  Floor mounted trans' shifter had the trans lever pointed up, column shifter trans had the trans lever mounted down.  I/m not sure this applies to all Fordo's but something to check.

On the C4 I used the shifter am had both upper and lower arms.


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

I'm leaning toward a early mustang floor shifter. I like the simplicity and i think it will be a little less obvious. Any idea what mods might have to be done? If it will even work? Rowen

Rowen
55CV
Woodland, Ca

Rowen,

I wish I could be of more help, but I've always been going the other way-using the old floor shifter with a later model (typically 4 sp) auto. Some cases I had to re shape (file) the detents, and some didn't have enough travel to manually engage low. The neutral and backup light switches are next. On my OT car, the neutral sw only works in park, and the backup lights only worked in neutral. Since it happens to be our least favorite brand (on this site), I just picked up the phone and ordered the right parts.

Just in general. The floor shifter is going to not only fit the floor, but clear the trans inside the tunnel. The transmission arm as mentioned by Paul needs to point the right way. Then, clearance for the rod from the shifter to the arm. Next is the detents, as in do they "line up" between the trans and shifter. Otherwise, you're going to be inside the shifter relocating them. Filing or welding, and these parts are usually hardened to minimize wear. Or changing the length on the trans arm to get the right travel.

Maybe the "throw" on the Mustang trans (cruiso or C-4, I have no idea) turns out to be the same as the Fordo. Maybe there's room for the arm, or maybe a Morse type cable.

Both the 55-7 bird shifter and the Mustang shifter are pretty short, since the bird seat is on the floor, and the 'stang had a console. I don't know how long a reach that is sitting in a pass car.

I'm not trying to be negative here, even though it probably sounds that way. As a dumb 17 yo, I put a T-85 OD in a 55 bird (with the small tunnel), and fit a Hurst Syncro Lok with the short handle for a Vette. It wasn't pretty from underneath, but it worked fine. So I'm sure it can be done. But you need to do your homework to see what you're getting into.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

Thanks miker, all good information, and wise advice. I have plenty of time to do this build. I am trying to gleen as much information and expertise as I can. I am collecting (hopefully) all the parts I will need and trying to form the best plan I can. I am confident that with the help of people like you, Charlie, Ted, and too many others to list, my first real "build" will be kool, fast,AND reliable. Thanks to all, Rowen

Rowen
55CV
Woodland, Ca

I used to use a Hurst "Indy Matic" shiter in my Victoria with both the Ford-O-Matic and the FMX. It is a detent shifter and worked quite well! 




I love the smell of burning rubber in the morning!

Mornin Canadian hot rodder, "used to use", does that mean you no longer use it? If not, do you still have it? Would you be interested in selling it? I found a NOS one on line for $400. A little pricy for me right now. Thanks, Rowen

Rowen
55CV
Woodland, Ca