Hurst Comp Plus Back-up Switch Bracket

[robsilveri]

G'Day,

Thought I'd share this with you all as I wasn't happy with the switch backet supplied by Hurst with the shifter or the one which they supply with their own back-up switch.

So, using a reproduction back-up switch, which plugs nicely into the wiring loom in the engine bay, I made up my own bracket which mounts to the shifter adaptor plate.
   

[Steven Harris]

Nice job.

I can appreciate someone who is willing to tackle such jobs and to complete it with an eye for detail.

Looks great. How has the new shifter been working for you? Have you been enjoying the Mach 1?

[robsilveri]

Thanks Steven,

The Hurst Competition Plus is a great shifter, I had nothing but trouble with the '69 Factory 4-speed unit, it's no wonder Ford ditched these in '70 for the Hurst. The new unit makes it a pleasure to drive, no guess work in finding gears and no jam ups. Making this bracket was the only hurdle...

[BLACK JADE 69]

ROB,
I NEED TO DO THE SAME FOR MY 69. DID YOU USE THE BRACKET THAT HURST SUPPLIED AND BENT IT TO FIT? OR DID YOU USE SOMETHING ELSE? THANKS

[robsilveri]

Black Jade 69,

This is a custom bracket, I did not like the Hurst one because it fixed only to the single back-stop screw. I noticed an unused tapped hole in the aluminum adaptor plate which comes with the mounting kit for the Hurst Comp Plus and thought I could use this combined with the upper adapator plate mounting screw to make a bracket supported by 2 screws, much more rigid IMO.
I first made a template from cardboard and used this to make the steel version. I had a piece of 50mm x 50mm (2"x2") square pipe so cut it out of this and formed it by hand using a vice and simple hand tools. You could fold it from a piece of flat steel or use a a piece of 90 degree angle steel.
I did this work with the shifter already installed in the car but I figure you could do it all on the bench with the shifter removed, this would avoid many trips under the car.
My Mach 1 is an M-code, 351W with 4-speed and I believe the adaptor plates for big block cars (390, 428) could be different, (ie this bracket might not work on those).

   
Hurst Competition Plus Adaptor Plate

   
Cardboard template

   
Cut out of square pipe

   
Finished Bracket

   
Bracket installed without switch

[BLACK JADE 69]

THANKS ROB...MY CAR IS AN M CODE 351W WITH 4 SPEED ALSO, SO THAT POINTS ME IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. I AGREE, THAT FILMSY PIECE OF STEEL THEY PROVIDE YOU IS NOT ALL THAT GREAT

[robsilveri]

Final instalment: I decided to add a small guard to this bracket. I was using a washer to take up the slack between the new bracket and the clip which secures the switch. I have replaced the washer with an L-shaped bracket which acts as a guard offering some protection to the switch. Ideally you would make the bracket to incorporate the guard as well. Also decided to wrap the switch and wire with electrical tape.

   
Finished painted bracket with guard (switch open)

   
Bracket with Switch closed

   
I'm amazed how stoked I get when lights come on that didn't come on before!

[Steven Harris]

Good Aussie inventing and ingenuity at work.

Well done!