39 trans in 40 Ford
 

Putting a 39 top shift trans. in 40 Ford coupe. Is the gearshift different in a panel or a truck then a car? The shiftier comes very close to the dash. With-in 1" of the dash. The trans. is the 38 early 39 style but does have the double detent lid on it.. Has anyone ran into this on a 40? Is this the correct shiftier? I know I can heat the handle but I would like to be sure this shiftier is correct.

Re: 39 trans in 40 Ford
 

Since the 40 transmission was column( side shift) how can the shifter be correct?
If the 1” clearance bothers you, I say bend it!

Re: 39 trans in 40 Ford
 

Trucks are straight

Re: 39 trans in 40 Ford
 

Thanks Ralph. I have considered heating and bending. I know there are many many 40 Fords out there that are running top shift trans. and was trying to find out if the dash and shiftier is an issue on the 40 before I whip out the o'le torch. I always thought 39 and 40 were about the same just 40 had a few upgrades from 39. The stick in the pic. is what I have.

Re: 39 trans in 40 Ford
 

I bent mine cold. To make matters worse the lever was too long for my application so I cut it off and rethreaded it.

Charlie Stephens

Re: 39 trans in 40 Ford
 

I heated and bent my 38 shifter in my AV8 in two places, be sure though to heat 4-5 inches, not one spot. And make slow gentle bends.

Re: 39 trans in 40 Ford
 

yes, it looks like my 39 shifter. Mark

Re: 39 trans in 40 Ford
 

The shifter comes closer to the '40 dash due to the shape of the '40 dash. The '39 dash is almost flat and the '40 dash is curved outward towards the seat. I haven't taken measurements, but my guess is the '40 dash protrudes a good 4" beyond the 39 dash.

Re: 39 trans in 40 Ford
 

Thanks TJ..I never paid much attn. to a 39 dash.I knew they were different but didn't realize the shifter distance. Now I know what I have to do.

Re: 39 trans in 40 Ford
 

I had one in my 40. Works fine. If you decide later it needs a little bending it's no big deal to remove it. I'd try it as is first.

Re: 39 trans in 40 Ford
 

I've cut the bottom end off, cold bent them, and welded them to 5-speed shifter towers. They do get close to the dash, seat, and steering wheel .....