Shifters, Hurst and others

[410 John]

If I install a Saginaw car based 4 speed in my 83 C10. It’s a truck 4 speed now, with the granny first gear. What should I do for a shifter? I’m probably getting a used Saginaw from a buddy for $100. I’m not spending $500. I’m guessing a truck stiffer is mounted a little forward. I can make a mount bracket and shorten rods. I see used Hurst shifters and sometimes Sparkomatic shifters. The Sparkomatics are listed a 3-4 shifters? What should I get? Thanks

 

[bucket]

The Hurst "Indy" universal truck shifter kit used to be cheap. I'd guess it's expensive too these days.

 

[Ricko1966]

The Hurst "Indy" universal truck shifter kit used to be cheap. I'd guess it's expensive too these days.

The Indy's were only available for three speeds weren't they? @410 John. I think the 3/4 speed sparkomatics you are refering to are for automatic transmissions. An automatic shifter with no detents can control a 2speed 3speed or 4speed auto. But a manual transmission shifter, requires 2 levers 2 rods for a 3 speed but requires. 3 levers 3 rods in a different confiquration for a 4speed. I do have some tricks up my sleeve, just depends on how cheap, and how ghetto you want to go. I'm pretty confident the indys were only available for 3 speeds you could still use one on a 4speed BUT there would be no provision for reverse SO you would have to live with no reverse or make your own shift rod that only controls reverse. Even cheaper and more ghetto is a 30 dollar stock car shifter from speedway and again making your own provision for reverse. Now having a 3 armed shifter would look cool but hard to use in any kind of speed shifting fashion. The saginaw 4 speed was used a long time in a lot of makes so check ebay.

 

[bucket]

@Ricko1966 yeah, I believe you are right about the Indy being for the 3 speeds. I remember the local Pep Boys used to have the universal shifters on the shelf. There was the Indy and another one right next to it that was probably for 4 speeds, but I don't remember the model or if it was cheap either.

 

[410 John]

Yeah, my research has come up the same with the Indy.
New shifters are $250-500 range. There are stock replacements for like a bench seat Nova that aren’t to expensive. Something will turn up. On average, used Hurst shifters are $200, without linkage. I’m aware of those multiple lever stock car ones. Not ideal for a pickup.

 

[85K304SPD]

Why are you putting a car transmission in your pick up? Just curious.

 

[410 John]

Just to make it more fun to drive.

 

[ChuckN]

Just to make it more fun to drive.

I don’t remember if it is a direct cross fit to Saginaw, but I put in a competition plus Hurst in our 3100. It had a Muncie M21, can confirm it was fun to drive.

 

[idahovette]

In my area I always check Craigs list and Facebook marketplace. Shifters usually show up on either of these around here. Depending on how far you want to travel, you can always widen your search area. Or work it into a trip plan. I got a really nice Hurst Comp Plus for $145 from a fellow South of Moses Lake WA, when we went to one of Macie's softball games. Also some Saginaws do NOT have the tail housing drilled for a shifter!!!! Possible DIY "drill it yourself" ??

 

[Ricko1966]

@Ricko1966 yeah, I believe you are right about the Indy being for the 3 speeds. I remember the local Pep Boys used to have the universal shifters on the shelf. There was the Indy and another one right next to it that was probably for 4 speeds, but I don't remember the model or if it was cheap either.

Well sir I have never seen one before,but turns out hurst makes an indy 4 speed.

 

[410 John]

All good info. I gotta get over to my friend’s and pick up the Saginaw.

 

[Keith Seymore]

@Ricko1966 yeah, I believe you are right about the Indy being for the 3 speeds. I remember the local Pep Boys used to have the universal shifters on the shelf. There was the Indy and another one right next to it that was probably for 4 speeds, but I don't remember the model or if it was cheap either.

No.

I used a Hurst Indy shifter when I converted my '80 from three on the tree to four on the floor.

K

 

[410 John]

Probably going to hit some fall swap meets and take a look.
Or this looks interesting:

OER 6264024: Saginaw Shifter Assembly 1968-1972 Nova w/o Floor Console - JEGS

Get the Best Performance with OER Saginaw Shifter Assembly 1968-1972 Nova w/o Floor Console 6264024 parts at JEGS. Shop Now at the Guaranteed Lowest Price!

www.jegs.com

 

[idahovette]

@410 John, that Jegs shifter looks like it mounts to the crossmember. If so, you're gonna have to use solid motor and transmission mounts or it's gonna bind on a power shift........and we ALL now it's gonna be POWER SHIFTED..........I used a turnbuckle (chain works too)from the frame to the front of the block on the driver side to hold everything tight on my 68 Chevy II

 

[Rusty Nail]

I bought a Sparkomatic BASS CANNON when I was 16 and put it in the trunk of my new 1976 Delta 88 Royale the peez gave me.

Couldn't hear it.

You must be registered for see images attach