Shifter problem with a great outcome

KMBeers

KMBeers

Senior Member
My shifter was rebuilt in late 2024 and after about 1700 miles the shifter handle broke. It was rotating just below the bend near the bottom. I am somewhat new to Model A’s so some of you folks might have seen this before. After a closer inspection there did not appear to be a bevel on either side of the joint and there was no visible weld. It appeared that the only thing holding it in place was the plating. I had the work done by Schwalm’s where the transmission, shifter, and the motor were all done at the same time. They were great to work with and with this issue they again demonstrated excellent customer service which is why I am posting about it here.
My shifter broke on Wednesday night when I was just leaving for a twilight cruise. I took some pictures and sent them to Jen and Ora at about 8:00 PM. I received a quick response by 9:30 the next morning and they confirmed that I could drop off my shifter on Friday. They thought they would need a week or so to get the handle replaced with the load in the shop. When I showed up on Friday, Jeff jumped right on it and 40 minutes later I was on my way with a functioning shifter sporting a new handle. Pictures of my broken shifter are posted below.
That is outstanding customer service! My shifter is back on the car and I had it out for a ride today. Ora, Jen, Jeff, and the rest of the team at Schwalm’s are “top notch” and have my highest recommendation.
 

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that is a new one to me, i have not seen a two piece shifter before.

great customer service tho.
 
I have heard of two piece shifters before but never actually seen one. Why would anyone make one? It seems to me that it would be more expensive to make one this way.
 
Guten Abend. I had exactly the same problem. The gear shift lever snapped at the exact spot shown. It was a press-fit connection that came loose due to corrosion. I welded it using tungsten and pulled the rubber boot up a bit higher.
I'll look for the photos.
 
So who is the place in Utah or Arizona who will take your original shift lever, recondition it (including the flatted ball) build it up as necessary to replace metal lost to rust, re-chrome/nickel (your choice) and sell it back to you?


Joe K
 
doppelt here also!

Same same here!



Berts has rebuilt Original FORD levers, it is the same one used on original Ford shifter tower.


I got an original Ford one piece forged steel lever rebuilt from Berts when my 2015 Mitchell lever broke.

That is the 3rd or 4th different attachment method of broken two piece levers, that I have seen, quite different from others.

Mine was a simple butt weld only .070 thick weld.

Others are various "screw together" methods of attachment.
 
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BButturff said:
I have heard of two piece shifters before but never actually seen one. Why would anyone make one? It seems to me that it would be more expensive to make one this way.
Click to expand...
The machining operations are easier to do with the 2 parts separate. It was also cheaper to heat treat just the lower section.
This one didn't "break" it came unscrewed. Red Loctite is your friend.
 
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