Sloppy Shifter

[Dann Smith]

After a year of restoration on my 65 coupe, I'm starting to address some minor issues. My shifting pattern is all over the place. When I shift into third ,I almost hit my knuckles on the dash. Does anyone make a short shifter for these? If so are they difficult to install.
I would much appreciate any help.
Dann

[RRico]

I have never heard of a short shift kit for 356's.

When I had my 61 T5B, it had the same problem you described.

I had all the shift linkage bushings replaced and it was like nite and day.
The 356 drove fantastically like a different car.

[356-930]

Originally Posted by Dann Smith

My shifting pattern is all over the place. When I shift into third ,I almost hit my knuckles on the dash. Does anyone make a short shifter for these? If so are they difficult to install.

If you re-bush the gimble joint at the transmission and replace the ball to shift rod bushing, you will re-gain the stock shifter performance.
If you want to convert to a short shifter, remove the shift plate and arm, disassemble, cut the ball off the arm, add 1/4" length to the arm, re-attach the ball. (Note - The shaft is verrrrry hard steel. You'll need an abrasive cut-off wheel to cut it.)
Shift throws will be reduced by approximately 30% as the stock shift travel from 1-2 and 3-4 is 3/4" at the transmission. Of course, you will need to fabricate a plate to go under your shift plate 1/4" thick to accommodate the longer shift rod. And you will probably lose the anti-theft reverse lock feature built into the stock shift plate because it won't fully engage/interfere with the shifter when engaged/locked.
I know this works as I added 1" to the shift arm and fabricated a 1" plate to lift the shifter assembly to accommodate a 930 transaxle with its 1-1/2" shift shaft travel needs.

[ralt12]

356 short shifter kit--
http://www.willhoitautorestoration.com/shifter.php

But I'd bet its the bushings worn....