Would the “correct” factory 4 speed shift handle have only been the Hurst “T” handle, and if so would it had to have the shift pattern in it? Got a couple of pictures?
T handle only used in 70 and 71
https://secure.cougarpartscatalog.com/241133.html?sessionthemeid=26
https://secure.cougarpartscatalog.com/71tee.html?sessionthemeid=26
Don, I think his car is a '70…and I love the differences between the period ones and the current ones. When I bought my '71 Cyclone, its factory T-handle had been stolen - by an employee or shopper - and I have always held them in a corner of my Mercury mind.
woodsnake, the current Hurst T-handles aren’t exact replicas but are nice quality. WCCC is out of stock, but try then big octopus in Ohio.
R.B.
My 70 Eliminator handle doesn’t look like that hurst handle. Could be because it was produced way at the end of production. 8th from the last for the year.
Maybe! I don’t think it’s Ford’s. It’s also possibly an aftermarket replacement from the period, seeing as how many of them were stolen. Regardless, it’s worthy of some research on the variations of Hurst’s T-handles. I will give it a stab.
(15 minutes later) I think it’s aftermarket to replace a theft. Here is a collector’s picture of variations (one os “ivory” plastic). You can track down a real factory one in the wilds of the web.
Randy,
I doubt that is the handle that your Eliminator left the factory with. Remember all 4 speed Mustangs and Cougars that were built in Dearborn would have had the “correct” 70 handle. The '71 handle was essentially the same as the '70 with the major change being the dropping of the set screw.
Now that is not to say that is not the as delivered handle as maybe it disappeared in transit from the factory to the dealer.
I have a friend at work that is getting ready to retire- He had 2 vintage Hurst T handles, and I bought them both for 20 bucks. They need an insert, but are very serviceable. One had a black back ground, and one had a red back ground. Neither have the shift pattern cut into it. I have a couple of the chrome aftermarket ones, and am OK with putting either the knob or the T. I was just wanting to verify that in order to be correct, it would have had the shift pattern engraved around the Hurst lettering.
Mine is a 70 and has no shifter handle at all right now- I pulled the distributor today, and the gear slipped/ roll pin failed on the shaft. So in addition to the dual starter solenoids and dual coils, with the duraspark box, I have a better idea why it was a crank no start.
The original 1970 shifter handle had the shift pattern around the Hurst logo. I was able to find a remake of the original to replace the shifter that was stolen from my car before I bought it back.
The Boss 302 registry tech section has a writeup on shifters and T handles here:
https://www.boss302.com/hurst.php
Mike
Another detail:
On the original handles, the number 4 on the shift pattern is open at the top. In other words, there is no sharp “point” on the top of the number 4.
The correct style is reproduced.
Wow! this is a LOT less expensive than I was thinking it would cost-And thanks for the Boss link! Lots of information there, on what would seem a fairly simple item!
The carid.com one is listed for a Pontiac and I don’t believe it has a set screw in the side. I bought one for a GTO from Ames Pontiac parts 20+ years ago and it doesn’t have the set screw.
If it matters to you.
Mike