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Reply to "Shifter wanted"

I think Chirco offers a "sport" shifter that is not as tall as the original, and has a slight bend to it. My understanding from another member is this is the same shifter IM uses as their standard 'off the shelf'. I may be wrong, but I'm just passing the info.... Anyway, when I was shopping for a shifter I looked at this one via a hard copy of their parts listing. I still have that (I hope!) out in the shop library. It is a very attractive, semi-stocker-retro-look, comes with a boot (real genuine vinyl I think) and a Walnut (well, walnut appearing)knob. It has no lock-out ala the Scat/Berg/Semi-Hurst-Mystery-Shifter-Clones, and looks pretty sharp IMHO.

I ended up with a new SCAT, Lock-Out via horse trading... but I am more into the retro look, and as someone mentioned on some thread. they didn't want a "Camaro" look for a shifter. I personally agree, although I am using a T-Shifter Camroesque thing right now (But no Mullet, ha-ha). Actually I really like the SCAT shifter on both a functional and appearance level, but it's just not the look I am striving for. I think I could like it more if I could use my matching (Wood)Nardi Shift Handle with the SCAT. Unfortunately, I can't. The knob fits onto the threaded end ok, and is adjusted for tightness via 4 allen head screws... but fitting it on interferes with the ability to pull the reverse lock-out handle. The base of the Nardi is wider than the shaft that the T-Handle has to screw onto the shifter threads.

My point to this rambling piece-o-work? Well, I too am seeking the same look as you are evidently. My dream shifter would be a stocker looking 356 shifter with a small reverse lockout shaft, and then my Nardi Knob..... it doesn't exist, short of making a custom one... too much work, time, and money, for me. My alternative? I have a brand new VW Shifter in a box at the shop.... and I am seriously thinking about ordering that Chirco shifter @ around $20 cheap bucks plus shipping.(maybe it's Kimco??? I'll call my bro-in-law to look, I'm up in STL for a few more days) I can get him to scan it and send to you via e-mail if you would like... My plan is to use one of the two after looking at the Chirco unit, with a short shift pattern unit, and back to my much loved Nardi knob (yes I grip my own knob). I've used the cast metal short shift kit with good results... and so hopefully that will get me 75% of the shifter I want (-25% for no lock-out). Maybe it's an alternative for you? I dunno, it's just my 2 pesos worth on the forum today. (PS, you can order a new stock unit for less than $15) Oh, and I believe you can use VS's boot on that Chirco unit.

Jim Dubutub, OKC



(Message Edited 9/4/2002 8:13:19 PM)
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