Shifter Lever Differences, Tail Shift Levers Options

[jrrobertson]

I was putting together a shifter assembly from parts when I noticed that the two shifter levers I had were different lengths at the ball end. Now I am confused as to which one I should use and am hoping someone can help me. Has anyone seen this before? The car I am making the shifter assembly for is a 1971 six. Does the six have a different shift lever than the four?

[gereed75]

There is a good possibility that the longer shifter is part of a Weltmiester short shift kit. The longer lever reduces shifter travel

This is actually in my opinion an excellent mod that does in fact shorten shifter throws. If you elect to use it (I would) then you will need to add a spacer pad under the mount to raise the shifter plate up the distance of the longer lever, about 5/8” or so.

Google 914 weltmiester short shifter and you will likely see what this spacer looks like. I think it was made of aluminum in the original kit but it could be made of pretty much anything. There is no load on it to speak of

Do you have a side or tail shifter? I know these work well on side shifters but have not done one on a tail shifter but I see no reason that it would not work.

Is that a weld joint under the ball? Upon closer inspection of your photo it looks like maybe it is. If so it is a homemade short shifter but will work fine regardless. Same same as Westminster and still will need the spacer.

[zoomCat]

The shifter levers for a four and a six are the same. What you are likely seeing is short shifter, which is the longer of the two. For tail shifters the short shifter should be used with a spacer to lift it.

Here’s what the original kit looks like, the spacer is on the right.