I just purchased a 38 Town Coupe and the shifter is short and straight. I need to lean forward and reach under the dash to get to it. Not the end of the world, but would like the proper shifter. Just wondering... anyone know how hard or easy it is to remove and replace and also where would be a good place to locate one?
It’s not hard to replace from a technical/skill level perspective. Just a lot of “stuff” to remove.
I would completely remove the front floor mat to get it out of the way and avoid getting any grease and oil on it. Then there are lots of screws around a panel in the floor that covers the top of the transmission. Next is the bolts that hold the cover plate on the transmission. The shift lever fits into that housing.
I may be wrong but I think the lever is held in place by a cap that fits into the top housing. To remove push the cap down against a light spring and rotate like removing a light globe, then with the lever in the neutral position it will then lift out. Tony
As for finding the correct shift lever I'd start by putting an ad in the parts wanted forum and searching the parts for sale forum. 2: I'd start monitoring ebay for people parting out 37, 38 cars and message them if they don't have the shifter/transmission listed. 3: Buy an issue of Hemmings Motor News and peruse the for sale ads.
VCCA Member 43216 Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet. 1938 HB Business Coupe 1953 210 Sedan
Thanks folks. I've done it on old tractors (each brand is different) and none have been that difficult. I thought there would be a number of folks here that had to do clutch work and that should involve removing the shifter, but no big deal. I think finding one will be the bigger challenge. Maybe in the mean time I'll make an extension for what is already there.