Custom shifter for toploader

[bigb427]

The stock Ford shifter in my 69 Mach 1 totally sucks, so I'm thinking of buying a custom shifter from Toploader Heaven or David Kee Toploaders. I believe they are both Hurst shifter boxes modified to accept the stock shifter arm and knob. I think Toploader Heaven modifies the linkage also. I like the idea of having the stock arm & knob since my car is all stock except for the tires.

Does anyone have experience with either of these vendors shifters they can share?

 

[Jack1966]

Several years ago when David Kee rebuilt my toploader I thought about going that route but it was pretty expensive--almost $500 for the whole works or around $400 if you kept your shifter. My shifter control box didn't seem to have that much wear so I didn't go that route. However, I am now considering again--so I too would be interested in anyone's experience.

 

[Starfury]

I recently picked up a close-ratio Toploader for my car. Came complete with a Hurst shifter and linkage. Needed to be cleaned, really, really well, but after a good clean and grease it operates ok.

I really, really like the shifter. It's much smoother and rattles much less than the factory shifter. With the Hurst, shifts are smooth, short, and precise. I always know what gear I'm going into.

I'm not saying a factory shifter is horrible, but they're prone to rattling, and shifting is sometimes a little vague. You can rebuild the shifter, however, for significant improvement. Glazier's sells a nice rebuild kit, and it's not difficult to do yourself. The rattles will go away (for a while) and it will reduce slop in the shifter.