Hurst Shifter Rebuild

[1969_Mach1]

From what I understand the prices of new Hurst shifters increased a lot after B&M purchased Hurst. Maybe B&M was upset with people that prefer Hurst shifters. When I purchased my shifter and installation kit, I recall paying in the $375 range for everything. The current price of $375 is for the shifter only. If you need an installation kit, which included the rods and other hardware, that's an additional $200.

[j-cobb9]

Just a fun fact. Back in the day I lived in Warminster pa where the shifters were produced. If you had a problem with one. You could take it to the factory and they would repair or replace. Usually within a week or two. Free of charge, no questions asked. I don't think any one in Warminster would own anything but a Hurst. Cheers J.

[1969_Mach1]

Don't find service like that anymore. I wonder if they are still made in the USA or they moved manufacturing overseas like most other aftermarket automotive products.

I'm hoping the new reverse detent and shims will help it to operate smoother into reverse. I don't know why it would. But for the small price of the parts it's worth a try.

I'd prefer an original Hurst Competition Plus shifter that was installed in the 1970 Mustangs. It fits through the tunnel opening better and the stock shifter boot can be installed. It was a one year only item so cost is extremely high. So, I cannot justify the cost of all the components to do that.

[j-cobb9]

That is a really good shifter. Not only is it really strong, it looks good also. The problem now is finding a shifter boot that is made with real rubber to hold up.
I will be going to a few car shows with swap meets next month. I'll keep an eye out for one. If I find one for the right price. I will grab it. If you don't want it. I'll just resell it. J

[1969_Mach1]

I'm curious what's out there for parts at car shows. I don't hear of those types of events that also have parts for sale on the west coast.

According to the "go to" place I call when looking for original used or NOS parts, Perogie Enterprises in New Jersey, the original shifter boots were very pliable compared to the todays reproduction boots. I have a new reproduction original style boot. It's rubber, looks good, but not very pliable at all. Most people that use them complain the boot tears at the rectangular slot for the shifter stick. I suspect because its not pliable enough. Look through a Boss 302 forum, a lot of complaints about the reproduction shifter boot tearing.

I put my aftermarket Competition Plus shifter back in for now. After installing a new reverse detent and shims it operates smoother into reverse. Hard to believe, I wasn't expecting that.

If the stick was centered a little better in the tunnel opening I think that reproduction shifter boot would work okay. The stick needs to be moved forward about 1/2" to be centered in the opening. I guess I could spend a day making another mounting plate that attaches the shifter to the trans that would move it forward. I already made one new mounting plate to lower the stick about 3/8". I did that because dog-leg offset part of the stick slightly rubbed on the bottom of the tunnel at the left edge of the shifter opening when pulling it to the left to go into reverse.

[Mustangmike]

I generally do not see people selling parts at the car shows/cruise nights here on the east coast either. I assume it would require a different type of permit with the town.

I have to agree with you on the reproduction shift boots. Although they look correct for the car they are not pliable at all. I purchased one and it tore almost immediately. As I mentioned in another post they do sell a plastic insert which is supposed to prevent the boot from tearing. Unfortunately the piece didn't work for me. I am thinking of purchasing a Hurst shift boot. Even though it would have an aftermarket appearance to it I think they are more pliable.

Glad to hear your shifter is working properly.

[1969_Mach1]

Thanks; I'm glad that shifter is operating better as well. I was surprised there was improvement.

I've seen that plastic part for the reproduction shifter boot. Amazingly, you are the first person I have run across that realizes the boot tears because it is not pliable enough. Most are just upset they tear and do not understand why.

I can say from experience, the Hurst shifter boot is very pliable and offers no resistance to the shifter movement. After some thought, the Hurst shifter boot is going back in my car. I'll just keep the reproduction boot. It was $22 and by the time I pay return shipping I might get back $7 or $8 dollars.

The reproduction boot is like many other reproduction parts that simply are not good enough to work properly.

[Mustangmike]

Hey Mike,

Are you using the 1969/70 Mustang shifter boot (see link below)? This is the same one I have in my car that tore.

https://www.mustangsunlimited.com/Mustan...hifter.axd

If you have this shifter boot and it is not installed in your car could you please send me the dimensions? I would have to dissemble half my interior to get my old one out. I would like to purchase this Hurst boot and just curious how close it is in size to my old one.

http://www.hurst-shifters.com/products/1...and-plate/

Thank you,

Mike

[1969_Mach1]

I was wanting/trying to use the 1970 reproduction shifter boot you have in your first link. It has the rectangular opening for the Hurst shifter stick. It's not pliable enough and pulls hard on the shifter when in 4th gear.

I have this Hurst boot which I will reinstall. The outside dimensions of the base are listed in the description. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/huu-1144580

It is just long enough to catch the 4 original mounting holes. I had to make a trim ring to hold it down and align with the 4 original mounting holes. It works just fine but doesn't look original. I'm sure you have the skills and tools to make a trim ring.

Regards,
Mike

[Mustangmike]

Thanks Mike...I think I will purchase the same Hurst shifter boot. It won't be necessary to make a trim ring, it looks like the boot comes with one.

I read the reviews and the quality seems to be good. It is made of thick rubber and someone mentioned it fixed his popping out of gear issue.

I remember buying the same boot a few years back at a swap meet for $3 but it didn't have the trim ring. For some crazy reason I ended up not using it and sold it at another swap meet.