I've got a toploader with good gears, but someone in its past cut its stock gear shift lever off and welded on a big, goofy chrome lever. Are the '39 levers intechangeable with just 39s? Or can i use a lever out of a later Ford truck trans? (Better yet, anyone got one of these levers?)
Check with Vern Tardel (FAX only, 707-838-6065). Vern has recreated the handsome swans-neck shape of the '39 shifter using earlier shifters that have been recontoured in a jig he built. It's a limited product, and I'm not sure of the price, but they look fantastic, like new '39 shifters with fresh nickle plating.
Here's a cut/paste from Bruce Lancaster on this thread: Tech Request - 3-Speed Toploader Rebuild [ QUOTE ] The one you really want has an 81A prefix number. It was introduced in 1938 and used through 1952 in pickups. Early ones will have the wrong fork. Measure inside the span of the 2-3 fork; If it's right about 3", it's the one you want. Early type is mebbe 1/4" smaller--don't remember exactly. The two detent spring screws are big, maybe a bit bigger than a dime. If you find early fork, pass unless you have a source for right fork. Most will have the good fork, which usually has its 91A number forged into it. [/ QUOTE ] Not sure it answers your question directly, but I'm sure Bruce will chime in & clear it up for you!
You can use any 1936-52 shift lever from a shift top that has a vertical cast iron tower for the shifter--the earlier ones have the casting sloped back like a shark fin. Measure the bottom if you find just a stick: The ones you want are 4 7/8" from the flat top of the pivot ball near the bottom to the lower end of the whole thing, the earlies are 4 1/8". That extra length shortens the shift throw considerably--early ones needed all the room there wasbetween dash and seat. Both types come in a number of shapes.
The Jalopy Journal
