Top Loader trans question?

I got a buddy looking at a top loader 4sp transmission. I don't know much about old manual transmissions so I hope someone can help me. It came out of a 65 mustang with a V8. The top cover has 12 bolts in it. It looks decent enough, but it has some type of HURST "ratchet" shifter that I've never seen. Can a regular style "H" pattern shifter be installed & work normally or was this some type of strange racing trans?

 

"Ratchet" shifters are for automatics...what you have is likely a Hurst Vertical Gate shifter. It's a drag-racing oriented shiter that works in-line.

To shift into first gear, you pull the little trigger upwards and push the shifter forward. Ripping stright back slams it into second, then straight forward again hits third, and back again gets fourth. You only use the 'trigger' when going into first gear.

For reverse, you place the shift lever in neutral, and use a separate smaller lever to engage reverse. I had one of these shifters in my old big block Chevelle, and it worked flawlessly! With a little practice, it can be street driven with ease as well.

The Top Loader four speed is a strong enough trans, and you shouldn't have any trouble with it in most applications. Being out of a small block Mustang, it's likely a small spline Top Loader with an iron case and a straight 1:1 fourth gear.

 

That sounds like it! I really didn't get a chance to mess with it, just looked. It does have a T handle in the front of the shift lever & a separate lever for reverse. So he could install a regular shift lever assembly & be good to go then? Thanks for the info.

 

That sounds like kind of a cool shifter, I'd keep it.

What's it going in, not the Olds I assume.
TZ

 

I've got a new Hurst Comp. Plus I got off ebay that I'm not using if you're interested.

 

No it ain't for the Olds. I still have to get the adapter to fit the 455 & 700r4 together. This is for Pauls 67 mustang--psuedo faux race car project.

 

Yep, you can bolt on a more common H-pattern stock or aftermarket shifter if you want to...but I personally love the Vertical Gates....after I got mine working right, I was hooked on 'em...and lots of my Ford buddies ran them on their cars back in the 80s!

Kind of obscure today, but they're still cool in my book! Damn near IMPOSSIBLE to miss a shift!