ratcheting column shifter

[Knowlesville340]

Ok here's an idea I have that may be stupid,insane or both.Has anyone ever marketed,or is there a way to have stops at each gear with a column shifter?Like a ratchet shifter?This isn't really a tech question,I don't think! It's an idea involving my '69 Charger,which,oviously has a column automatic,behind a 383 Mag with headers,DP4B,780 Holley.It's got buckets ( 6 way drivers seat) with the buddy seat in the middle.I like the configuration,so a floor shifter of any type isn't an option.I seem to think that a ratcheting device could be attached at the tranny,prehaps via a pan bolt bracket like an aftermarket cable shifter uses?I have this idea in my head of a column stalk that can be banged like a slap stik.Let me know what you guys (and gals) think (besides that's I'm being a moron.)

[The Chief]

Re: ratcheting column shifter

Why not go with a retrotek smartshift and the paddles or modify the column shift with a couple of micro switches

[btp76]

Re: ratcheting column shifter

Scavo's 65 had it several years ago. A buddy of mine wants to do it but hasn't. I think the way to do it is to use the ratchet mechanism from an after market shifter on the bottom of the column where it attaches to the shift linkage.

[DanStokes]

Re: ratcheting column shifter

Two Words - push buttons! THAT would be cool!

Dan

[The Chief]

Re: ratcheting column shifter

Two Words - push buttons! THAT would be cool!

Dan

Like this





This is next on the list for my 55 starchief to get around the linkage problem of putting a newer trans in an older car. I wont be going with the paddles just the push buttons

[Knowlesville340]

Re: ratcheting column shifter

Scavo's 65 had it several years ago. A buddy of mine wants to do it but hasn't. I think the way to do it is to use the ratchet mechanism from an after market shifter on the bottom of the column where it attaches to the shift linkage.

I appreciate the ideas guys.I think this is basically the kind thing I was thinking.Of course the car's all put away in storage,so I can't readily check for clearance issues with the headers,power steering,etc.Most likely I'll never go through with it,but it keeps nagging at me.And now that I hear Nick Scavo had it on his car,I really want to try it!I think there's an old Mr Gasket ratchet upstairs in my barn....

[Freiburger]

Re: ratcheting column shifter

Dick Landy used to modify Mopar columns to be ratchet style, but they had to be reverse-pattern valvebodies to do it. If I run into Robert Landy I'll ask him how they did it.