Transmission / Overdrive: 700R4 shifter recommendation

[HawkBuilder]

I'm nearing the end of the restoration process on a 62 GT Hawk (hence the user ID of 'HawkBuilder). I've been nearing the end of the process for years now, but that's another story... Anyway, when I started I rebuilt the engine first and got one of those kits to mate it to a 700R4 transmission. Once the engine & tranny were in I went to the parts store and bought the cheapest shifter they had, just so I could test drive. Now I want to get something that actually works nicely and looks good and I need a recommendation. It would be great if I could get something that sort of looks like the shifter in the Hawks & Avantis that had the power shift- but I know that may not be possible. In terms of the electronics I guess I need the reverse light, a way to light the indicator and the circuit that keeps the starter from engaging when not in Park. ...so, does Speedway have something, or some other supplier? any help appreciated-

[sweetolbob]

Try to find a shifter out of an Avanti II with a GM tranny. It will look like OEM. Later ones were found on the 700R4-2004R tranny's and they have the correct OD indicator.

Generally Ebay is a good bet or maybe someone on the forum has one. I sold my spare about a year back. Nostalgic Motors and other Avanti suppliers probably have them but they are fairly expensive from them.

Otherwise, I'd look at Lokar shifters, they come the closest to OEM look of the aftermarket group.

Bob

[studeguy54]

B&M has a shifter adaptable to TH-350 and t00-R4. Just another detent that has to be enabled on the shifter. Installs fairly easily, and has a nice looking cover for the unit. My '54 with 350Chevy and 700-R4 uses this shifter and I'm pleased with the result.

[HawkBuilder]

Actually, that cheap shifter I referred to above is a B&M shifter. It is awful!!! Now maybe there is a more expensive B&M that is better- but I'd rather get some other after market unit that is easy to order and that other Stude drivers recommend.

[Buzzard]

I agree with sweetolbob in post # 2. I have a 1983 Avanti with that shifter and I use it a lot shifting both up & down. It works very well and looks right. I don't think you'd be disappointed like with the B & M.
Bill

[JoeHall]

For our 63GT's 700R, I kept the column shifter, but it took a little finessing. I also never got round to hooking up the back-up lights. Most aftermarket floor shifters come with provisions for both neutral safety and backup lights, and that's a plus.

If you have a "shift kit" in your 700R, you probably want a butter smooth shifter, since you'll manually shift a lot more. I have noticed some who went with shift kits, later complained of inability to drive around town in direct drive or lower gears, due to harsh up/down shifts. I had the same experience with a TH400 in a 56J. So with the 700R, I kept it OEM, so it drives like GM cars of that era; I just put it in direct drive around town, and in OD for bigger roads. It is smooth as silk in either gear, but with a shift kit, this is not so.

The shift kit may help you go faster for 1/4 mile, but I usually go further than 1/4 mile, so opted for drive-ability versus race-ability.

[5brown1]

If you don't use the Avanti one go with American Shifters they use a detent system which allows you to easily shift up or down on the move if you wish. I hate my Lokar. It is a pain in the you know what to try and shift between anything but the 3rd and overdrive with that stupid push button they use. American used to be Gennie. I have one on a TH350 and love it. As soon as I have time there will be a used Lokar for sale.

[wittsend]

Just throwing this out there though probably not where you want to go. The shifter is from a mid-90's Camaro. The console is a late 80's Cadillac - cut down 2". It is in my Daytona. I was trying to get it to look like something from the 60's (as best I could with current Pick a part items). The detents all work well with the 700R4.

Oh, and that computer control looking thing? That is a JC Penny's 1970's "Trip Computer." It even has a piece that goes on the fuel line, spins a steel ball and pulses are counted to calculate mileage. It fit exactly where the ashtray was. Non-smokers car.

[plwindish]

I got the shifter rods from Nostalgic Motors for the 200R4 I had put in my 76 Avanti II. It works great and with the indicator plate, looks factory, Don't forget, for your safety as well as anyone else driving your car, to hook up a neutral safety switch.

[cobraman428]

My 54 Studebaker (that I recently sold) had a fox body mustang shifter. Mounted perfect on the floor, with the proper throw. Worked great.

[BobWaitz]

I used a Lokar shifter in my M5 259/700R4 project. It mounts to the floor and operates the transmission with a cable. I think you will prefer one that bolts directly to the transmission if that location works for you. Otherwise you will need to reinforce the floor to avoid too much flexing. My Lokar has the neutral safety switch built into the knob. This means I can never put a different knob on this shifter. Consider that if you plan to swap the knob for something that looks stock.