I have been trying to think of a design in order to make a homemade floor shifter for my 1977 Ford F150. My truck has the C6 transmission, and I have a design for the shifter thought up, but I can't figure out a design for reverse lockout and to keep it from being bumped out of park. And I'm debating on whether or not I will have to flip the shifter lever on the transmission to get the linkage to work right. any ideas or comments are appreciated.

 

Ive toyed with idea of using a 3 speed shifter i picked up off the discount table at checker, and making homemade gates

 

Yes, you will have to flip the internal linkage for it to work. I have a C6 in my '78...Had to have the linkage swapped, I'll try to get a pic of my shifter this afternoon. As for the reverse lockout, I've been thinking about it as well...mine doesn't have one either, but I've been really wanting to install something on mine as well...so any ideas you have, I am interested in hearing them as well...

 

A Home Made floor shifter. Now not to be seen as ******* you, well, let me just dog you. Recognize this quote?

"..........thanks for the replies. I am flabbergasted at the info I have found and have been told. I am wanting to restore the truck all the way when I get the money."

Is there something wrong with the column shifter?

IMO, a Home Made floor shifter is a major step TOWARDS THE JUNK YARD for any vehicle.

ymmv

BTW, while I still wouldn't do it unless the column was beyond repair, proper floor shifters that will actually work can be had from any of several reputable companies.

 

The column shifter drops on it own out of park. I've had to replace the shift collar and get the shift tube re welded. And I want to restore it to original with a touch of my personality. If I can make it not look like crap, I'll make one. @Caleb, Couldn't I just loosen the shift rod bolt and flip the arm and not have to get inside the tranny? I was also thinking about using a cable. As for the reverse lock out, have you seen the B&M shifters and the trigger on them? Use the same principal. I'll draw it or something and take of picture of my idea. It aint a bad idea, but it could be better.

 

Here is a pic of my current set up...just over look the "junk" in the background of the pic...


As far as loosening up the shift rod bolt, I'm not sure...Mine came out of an Econoline Van, so the shift direction was different, guessing the same would be for your set up...both came from column shift set ups, so the angle is very weird when you move it to the top/side...I actually took mine to a transmission shop to flip the bracket. It was going to be faster and worked out better for me. They had it done in just a few hours...plus they adjusted the shift points, etc...it was a transmission shop, so they new exactly what they needed to do, and it cost me less than $35-$40...

I have looked at the B&M shifters, and have even thought about installing one, I just really like the high shifter look...

 

Is that a Mr. Gasket Shifter? If so, I've been looking at them instead of making one, but IDK what I'm gonna yet. And that is cheap, I'll take it to a transmission shop to do the flipping. I'm gonna look at it tomorrow, I've been away from home today, and I gotta weedeat the grass under my truck. It looks like the amazon under it.

 

I honestly don't know if it is a Mr. Gasket Shifter or not...it came in the truck when I bought it...Previous owner had done it...but I love it...it works perfect...would like to have the added safety of the reverse lockout...but it's making doing for now...

 

I don't have any ideas right now for a reverse lock out for that one. I'll have to think about that one.

 

Hey Caleb, what part of Bama are you in?

 

Central...Between Birmingham and Montgomery. Exit 212...the BIG PEACH water tower off of I-65...really any exit from 212 (Big Peach), 208 (Shoney's), or 205 (Peach Park)...I'm within a few miles of all of them...CHILTON COUNTY PEACHES...a mandatory stop for anyone traveling I-65 South to the Beach!!!!

 

I live in Waterloo, 23 miles west of Florence. How far are you from Alabaster?

 

I once used a T-handled Floor shifter out of an automatic Mustang II. I hooked it to a C-6 with a modified trany shift lever.
All the shift gates and lock outs work well to keep it safe. But I didn't have a neutral safety switch.
It also mount flat with 4 or 6 screws holding it to the floor.

Even used Black electrical tape for holding a trigger switch for the NOS to the shifter.

 

25-30 minutes...I used to live 10 min from Alabaster...moved to Clanton about 4 months ago

 

@Drac, a toggle switch for the Neutral safety switch is the best way to go. @Caleb, I got an aunt that lives in Alabaster, heard of John and Nell Bertschinger? My uncle John owned a security alarm business, then retired from BellSouth.