B-Body Shift vs A-Body Shift mechanism?

[krandall]

I wasn't sure where to put this so I figured this sub was best?

I've got a 66' Coronet 440 (4dr) with a mildly built 440 under the hood and a 4sp.
I had some issues w/ the motor 2 summers ago and last year was the first time I got to really get out and play with it. The throw in the shift setup is pretty wild and long so I've been looking into short throw shift setups (finding its like looking for the holy grail or when I had to find an intake for my old 318 poly :headbang: )
I had to cut the floor to get the 4sp in the Coronet now so that's no issue.. Can someone provide any details as to what the difference between an A body and B body shift setup would be for a custom application?
Thanks for your help!
-randy

Here's a pic of my baby. My "Coroner"

 

[YY1]

Quite the sleeper.

Those tires fit without cutting?

 

[krandall]

Yessir, It's got a mini tub in the back. Room for about another 1 1/2 inches wider if I want.

 

[dsd1967]

You may want to look into the shift levers and linkage used on a 70 B pistol grip. I believe the levers are longer where the shift rods hook up, therefore decreasing the shifter handle travel to get the equivalent shift rod travel. I'm not sure if different rods are needed, or if it's just the levers in the shifter. Maybe the longer shifter levers will fit into your existing mechanism and save you some cost by doing a rebuild/upgrade. Someone like Brewers would be able to tell you.

BTW.....Nice car! I'm making somewhat the same combination but in a 67 belvedere 4 door. Mine will be a 512, 4 speed, dana 3:54, cal track, mini tub, and the full US car tool b-body stiffening package. I have an one piece fiberglass WO/RO hood....so it won't be quite as stealthy.

 

[krandall]

Good info, dsd, I'll look into the shift levers. I've never taken apart the shift mechanism, maybe I can make something also to extend them? I know the rods have quite a bit of adjustment left where they are now.. so it may be something I can change up also. I've got brewers up on my browser at home, maybe I'll shoot them an e-mail to see what they have to say.
Your build sounds awesome. I just love the 4doors. I don't even care what anyone says. They got it goin on!! Can I ask, where did you score the WO/RO hood? I have a couple ideas, I want a new hood setup and my brains goin crazy with things.. But love just lookin at other stuff as well.

 

[Moparparts]

The factory Hurst shifter mechanism from a 68-69 B-Body is the same as a 68-70 A-Body which had the push in style shifter handle 71 A-Body started to use a bolt in handle and 70 B-Body mechanism is different

 

[dsd1967]

I bought the hood off a guy local to me that is on this board as 383movingviolation.

Moparparts....I don't doubt you a bit....do you know if the levers would work in an older shifter, or is it a completely different animal?

 

[paladin06]

When I got my 69 road runner the previous owner had put an A body shifter in it. It is a much shorter shifter lever (like in my 72 Duster) and my knuckles would the ash tray in 1st and 3rd gear. I contacted Brewers and I got the correct long handler shifter, the shifter mechanism and the shifting rods. All at a reasonable price with fast delivery. Check them out.

I wasn't sure where to put this so I figured this sub was best?

I've got a 66' Coronet 440 (4dr) with a mildly built 440 under the hood and a 4sp.
I had some issues w/ the motor 2 summers ago and last year was the first time I got to really get out and play with it. The throw in the shift setup is pretty wild and long so I've been looking into short throw shift setups (finding its like looking for the holy grail or when I had to find an intake for my old 318 poly :headbang: )
I had to cut the floor to get the 4sp in the Coronet now so that's no issue.. Can someone provide any details as to what the difference between an A body and B body shift setup would be for a custom application?
Thanks for your help!
-randy

Here's a pic of my baby. My "Coroner"