Napoleon1991

I have been looking at converting 69 cutlass with an auto trans to a 4 speed and while pricing parts out I've noticed that while looking at shifters some are said to be for bench seat cars and some are not. Is there a difference, because they all look similar to me. My car has a bench seat and I plan on keeping it that way, but I was just wondering if any 4 speed shifter would work?

Indy_68_S

AFAIK, for '69 (like '68) there are only 2 shifters & both work with either buckets or bench & console or non-console.

3760 Handle has 'H' & '442'
3759 Handle had 'H' & no '442' (Cutlii)

66-3X2 442

I have a complete OEM shifter/linkage & mounting plate if you need it. Contact me @ pchopesq@aol.com

Thanks

Ryan 1969 Chevelle SS396

Can you share a few pictures?

Ryan

66-3X2 442

I assume you're talking to me? I can take some pictures if you are but lets do it by email. Send me an email to the address I posted and I will send them to you.

Thanks

CRUZN 66

Bench seat shifter will usually have more curve in the handle to clear the seat... It will actually depend on how far forward the shift mechanism is located in reference to the edge of the seat and how much travel there is in the seat positioning... The handle would be straighter for bucket seat vehicle... Example below:

100_1295.jpg

66-3X2 442

There is no difference between OEM Olds bench/bucket seat,console or non console shifters or handles 66-69. The only difference as posted about is the 442 versus Cutlass handle. The only other difference is the 66 handle is squared off below the threads where as the 67-69 handles are tapered below the threads.

joe_padavano

^^^THIS! Yes, in some cars the bucket and bench seat shifters were different. This is NOT the case for 66-69 Cutlii. As noted, the only difference was whether "4-4-2" was stamped on the stick or not.

Ryan 1969 Chevelle SS396

I have been told the shifter like in the picture is for buckets and console, with the offset piece of the gate that the handle bolts to..... I have a Hurst Comp Plus that looks like that one, is it correct for buckets no console?

My handle is the Cutlass W-31 H only one not the 442 handle FYI.

Ryan

allyolds68

There are only two shifters from 66-69 (other than what Mike posted above for 66) and their geometry is the same. They either have just an "H" on the handle (Cutlass) or they also have "442". An aftermarket shifter has a bolt sticking out for a "stop", a factory Olds Hurst shifter does not


Not my pic but it's a good comparison

Ryan 1969 Chevelle SS396

Thanks!!

Sorry to thread steal but do you have a part number for the Hurst Comp Plus?

Ryan

66-3X2 442

The above picture is an aftermarket unit,not OEM. No OEM Olds shifter used a bolt on handle,only a clip/snap in handle. The 64/65 Muncie units did use a bolt on handle but 66 up used the mentioned handle. If you want an aftermarket unit,you will need to search Summits website.

Ryan 1969 Chevelle SS396

I have confused even myself:-)

I have the original Ball, the H handle but want to adapt it to a Hurst Comp Plus, which I have bought but a few very reliable sources say I bought one for buckets and console, not for buckets no console, I didn't write down the part number and sent it away with the trans for rebuild...... Now I am trying to figure out if the shifter I bought will work or not:-)

I will check Hurst and Summit again.

Ryan

allyolds68

If you have the ball and handle why don't you just post a "wanted" thread for the correct bayonet style shifter body?

Ryan 1969 Chevelle SS396

I want a performance shifter hidden below the original ball, handle, and boot.

When I get the part number off the shifter I bought I will post pictures (worth a thousand words)

I am a rookie, I don't know what a bayonet type shifter even is? (Where the original handle has one bolt hole and fits in a pocket.

Ryan

joe_padavano

The factory shifter WAS a Hurst Competition Plus. The only differences between the OEM and aftermarket Hurst shifters were the use of a snap-in instead of bolt-on stick and the elimination of the stop bolts. You could actually swap the housing parts from an aftermarket Comp Plus onto a factory one if you wanted to add the stop bolts.

The console/non-console distinction is for the 1970-72 shifters, and the aftermarket Comp Plus shifters are different from the factory ones for those years, so adapting the factory stick is likely to be problematic (not to mention the need to drill holes in it). Just get a correct 68-69 factory shifter and avoid the adaptations. There are several on ebay and here right now.

Napoleon1991

That answers my question. Thanks for all the replies and pics everyone.

Railguy

If you're planning on changing from auto to manual do some research first most Olds arn't cranks arn't machined for a pilot bearing .
Railguy

Ryan 1969 Chevelle SS396

Now I get it too, I received everything from the original owner of my car except the gate/mechanism for the shifter, rods, ball, handle, boot, etc but not the main piece:-(

Ryan

66-3X2 442

I probably have an extra OEM mechanism & mounting plate if you have the handle.

Ryan 1969 Chevelle SS396

Please PM an asking price.

Thanks

Ryan

Napoleon1991

I'm planning on pulling the trans to make sure before I buy anything. Its a rebuilt 403 and somebody had the block drilled and threaded for the z-bar ball stud, so I'm hoping they had the crank machined as well. I'm not sure if any 403s ever came stock with a drilled crank or not.