The Ford Barn

Steve_Mack_CT · 09-13-2016, 06:52 AM

Does anyone know if any of the suppliers out there rebuild towers on an exchange (or outright) basis with original shift levers? Seems economics of the repro is the issue, and I checked with one quality outfit yesterday - they do not believe any of the repros are being made in the US. Although they are reporting problems in the past with no current issues, I am still leery of the new shift lever at this point.

Thanks and apologies for another new thread on this topic, but wanted to get the question out there.

Thanks

Glenn C. · 09-13-2016, 09:28 AM

I have not proven it one way or another yet, but the hole in the ball on the repo shift leavers have been miss drilled, causing the shift leaver to locate to the drivers side too much. A friend of mine had his snap off the other day on a short trip, where the two pieces of the shift leaver are welded together.

BRENT in 10-uh-C · 09-13-2016, 10:24 AM

Steve, there are 3-4 possibilities for vendors who would have a restored 30/31 shift lever. In no particular order, contact Steve Becker, Dan Bixby, Will Cronkrite, or Craig Riker.

If you do not find anyone who will refurbish yours, contact me off-line and I will give you some direction.

Steve_Mack_CT · 09-13-2016, 10:40 AM

Glenn, I had the same interesting adventure Sunday as well; but was able to find the gears and get home. My wife "What is the shifter doing way over here?" Proud to say I held the four letter words to a minimum - I was too busy planning how to minimize shifting!

Brent, I really appreciate this info - will see if I can get a hold of one of these gents & go from there. I will PM you if I need some help.

Steve_Mack_CT · 10-19-2016, 07:35 AM

Brent, I mentioned in an unrelated post and it might have gotten lost there, but THANKS for your recommendation; Also a shout out to Will Cronkrite, I think he is Rock Hill Will on this forum - his service was outstanding. Rebuilt Shift Tower w/ original lever, etc.

Did what he said he would do for the price he said he quoted.

Did it in the time frame he estimated - a little quicker actually.

Shipped promptly and very well packaged

I had a minor issue, emailed Will on weekend expecting to wrap up on Monday during his business hours, he called me on a Saturday night to explain what I needed to do.

And a nice surprise - he included a nice original shift knob in the package.

A real "A" level vendor!

old28 · 10-19-2016, 10:39 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Steve_Mack_CT --------I just completed a rebuild of a 39 top loader shifter, was able to use a lot of the original parts and got others from Mac Van Pelt Sales in OH. I had to do very little machine work, old Ford 39 stuff is real basic.

09-13-2016, 06:52 AM	#1
Steve_Mack_CT Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Central CT Posts: 348	Shift Tower rebuilders Does anyone know if any of the suppliers out there rebuild towers on an exchange (or outright) basis with original shift levers? Seems economics of the repro is the issue, and I checked with one quality outfit yesterday - they do not believe any of the repros are being made in the US. Although they are reporting problems in the past with no current issues, I am still leery of the new shift lever at this point. Thanks and apologies for another new thread on this topic, but wanted to get the question out there. Thanks __________________ Steve 1930 Model A Roadster

09-13-2016, 09:28 AM	#2
Glenn C. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Didsbury Alberta Posts: 838	Re: Shift Tower rebuilders I have not proven it one way or another yet, but the hole in the ball on the repo shift leavers have been miss drilled, causing the shift leaver to locate to the drivers side too much. A friend of mine had his snap off the other day on a short trip, where the two pieces of the shift leaver are welded together.

09-13-2016, 10:24 AM	#3
BRENT in 10-uh-C Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Eastern Tennessee Posts: 11,508	Re: Shift Tower rebuilders Steve, there are 3-4 possibilities for vendors who would have a restored 30/31 shift lever. In no particular order, contact Steve Becker, Dan Bixby, Will Cronkrite, or Craig Riker. If you do not find anyone who will refurbish yours, contact me off-line and I will give you some direction. __________________ . BRENT in 10-uh-C . www.model-a-ford.com ...(...Finally Updated!! ) .

09-13-2016, 10:40 AM	#4
Steve_Mack_CT Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Central CT Posts: 348	Re: Shift Tower rebuilders Glenn, I had the same interesting adventure Sunday as well; but was able to find the gears and get home. My wife "What is the shifter doing way over here?" Proud to say I held the four letter words to a minimum - I was too busy planning how to minimize shifting! Brent, I really appreciate this info - will see if I can get a hold of one of these gents & go from there. I will PM you if I need some help. __________________ Steve 1930 Model A Roadster

10-19-2016, 07:35 AM	#5
Steve_Mack_CT Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Central CT Posts: 348	Re: Shift Tower rebuilders Brent, I mentioned in an unrelated post and it might have gotten lost there, but THANKS for your recommendation; Also a shout out to Will Cronkrite, I think he is Rock Hill Will on this forum - his service was outstanding. Rebuilt Shift Tower w/ original lever, etc. Did what he said he would do for the price he said he quoted. Did it in the time frame he estimated - a little quicker actually. Shipped promptly and very well packaged I had a minor issue, emailed Will on weekend expecting to wrap up on Monday during his business hours, he called me on a Saturday night to explain what I needed to do. And a nice surprise - he included a nice original shift knob in the package. A real "A" level vendor! __________________ Steve 1930 Model A Roadster

10-19-2016, 10:39 PM	#6
old28 Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Camarillo, CA Posts: 288	Re: Shift Tower rebuilders Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Steve_Mack_CT --------I just completed a rebuild of a 39 top loader shifter, was able to use a lot of the original parts and got others from Mac Van Pelt Sales in OH. I had to do very little machine work, old Ford 39 stuff is real basic.