Shifter Linkage Upgrade Options

[Montreal914]

When I first saw the JWest shift linkage upgrade (NLA), I though it was a very elegant way to handle the support of the ball sleeve mechanism in the side shift gearbox console. I assume cost was the reason Porsche didn't do it that way.

I've always wanted to do something similar (IMG:style_emoticons/default/stirthepot.gif) . Being on a budget, I decided to modify/fabricated all of the components myself but pretty much all of this upgrade can be done with parts available through our member vendors here in one form or another.

Here we go! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sawzall-smiley.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smash.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welder.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)


Shift Console Preparation

All of this started when I got a spare gearbox with a broken shift console. I though this was the perfect candidate to play with since it can't be used in its current form. I cut the remaining part of the bushing tab and file the casting flush.





Then I prepared what would be the two new supporting tabs in which there would be oil impregnated bronze bushings. These tabs are made from a 1 1/4" x 3/8" aluminum flat bar. The 7/8" hole was machined in the right location (center 15mm from the console reference surface) to maintain the stock position of the shift rod.





The bronze bushings (McMaster Carr 6338K426) were grooved to accept a snap ring (McMaster Carr 98585A115) to secure them to the tabs.




Using a piece of 5/8" shaft, I do the first layout of the assembly.




Then, with a file (aluminum is a beautiful material), I did the weld preparation of the various surfaces as per recommendations from my welder.








Then my welder did his magic while taking his time and extra care to make sure the material didn't pull which would have resulted with bent tabs where bushings wouldn't have lined up and ruined the whole thing. Yes the preferred way of doing this would have been to weld first and machine after but that would have made the machining of the tabs more expensive due to an elaborate setup to hold the console. I would probably do it this way if I was doing it again, but since I had a good welder, he pulled it off nicely (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sunglasses.gif)






Then I used my trusted hack saw and files to smooth it out and bring it to a shape that could ressemble somewhat a stock casting form. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/w00t.gif)






Last, I reassembled the rest of the components with a fresh seal and the console assembly was ready to be installed on the gearbox. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer3.gif)

[troth]

I remember seeing something similar on Chris foley’s site.

http://www.tangerineracing.com/shiftlinkage.htm

Your solution looks similar, but probably a bit less pricy.

[stugray]

I remember seeing something similar on Chris foley’s site.

http://www.tangerineracing.com/shiftlinkage.htm

Your solution looks similar, but probably a bit less pricy.

I can attest to the quality and operation of the unit above (TangerineRacing).
My car has never shifted so cleanly - ever.
But I have a Renn-shifter, TR firewall bushing, & TR shift linkage all fitted to a 71 chassis.

The OPs solution looks perfectly executed and should be equivalent to the TR solution if not superior in the end (no chance for the console to shift, ever)
But I also agree with the OP that welding those bushings perfectly without distorting the alignment of the bushings is to be left to only the most skiilled welders and even THEN requires some luck.
Now welding the tabs and having a shop punch both holes all the way through is the perfect solution.

Otherwise - Very well done! You will be happy with the effort.