What gear shift lever should we use?

flathead34

flathead34

Senior Member
We are replacing the '33 transmission in our '33 pickup with a '39 gear set in a '37 transmission housing. The shift tower we are using is a 81-A. With this transmission setup what gear shift lever should we use to avoid hitting the seat? In addition, what else do we need to consider to be able to install this transmission in the pickup? Thank you Mike and Steve
 
Most trucks that I've seen have used the straight shifter which, I'd assume, is used to clear the bench seat. If you decide to use a swan, you can always bend it with a little heat to suit your needs. Just make use you get the one with the longer "nub" that mates with the 91A fork set.
 
Tim, Thank you for your response to our post about the proper gear shift lever. We will make sure to use the longer nub shifting lever. Mike
 
You could cut the gear shift lever off the one that came on the 81A shift tower and weld your '33 shift lever onto it. You will need to see what angle you need to weld it so that it clears the seat and dash.
 
I like Seth's solution only IF the forks on the 81-a shift top fit the synchro. It might be better to use the 39 shtft top as it will match all the internal parts if you have all 39 parts inside, You need the top that fits with them.
 
deuce_roadster said:
I like Seth's solution only IF the forks on the 81-a shift top fit the synchro. It might be better to use the 39 shtft top as it will match all the internal parts if you have all 39 parts inside, You need the top that fits with them.
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Thanks for adding this. I made the assumption he was using all the 81-A with the 91-A forks, but that may not be the case since early '39's still used the older synchro parts.
 
I don't remember all of the details but I had a similar problem with my '32 and a later transmission. I cut the lever off to shorten it, threaded it for the gearshift knob, and bent it to shape. Worked great.

Charlie Stephens
 
deuce_roadster said:
I like Seth's solution only IF the forks on the 81-a shift top fit the synchro. It might be better to use the 39 shtft top as it will match all the internal parts if you have all 39 parts inside, You need the top that fits with them.
Click to expand...

I like this idea. Use the '39 top with the 2 in fork and the better syncro. Graft your '33 shift lever onto it. If you do a really good job, almost no one will know what you did.
 
The other issue with using the 81A-7222 shifter tower (1939 type) is that the profile changed from the slanted casting (32-35) to the upright casting (36-39). This puts the top of the later tower forward by about an inch. Thus, you’d have to open up the hole in the transmission sheet metal cover by enough to clear the front side of the 39 tower (and presumably you’ll want to close up the original opening to the rear). If you’re not doing a restoration, this is not a big deal and has been done thousands of times over the years.
 
Mac VP said:
The other issue with using the 81A-7222 shifter tower (1939 type) is that the profile changed from the slanted casting (32-35) to the upright casting (36-39). This puts the top of the later tower forward by about an inch. Thus, you’d have to open up the hole in the transmission sheet metal cover by enough to clear the front side of the 39 tower (and presumably you’ll want to close up the original opening to the rear). If you’re not doing a restoration, this is not a big deal and has been done thousands of times over the years.
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I believe there is a gentleman in PA who makes a cover that addresses this issue. I've seen his posts in the swap section.
 
I’m aware of the modified cover for the 1932 Fords but hadn’t seen anything for the 33-35 covers. That would be nice for people to be able to buy them also.
 
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