The Ford Barn

John Mc · 04-25-2011, 09:29 AM

Guys, I've been told that my '39 1/2 Ton should have a unique to '39 transmission shift rod. Is this so? If so, is this readily available somewhere or do I have to have mine bent?

Dave/Green Bay · 04-25-2011, 09:42 AM

John: On my 35 with 39 transmission we had to heat and bend the 39 shift lever to look like the swan and not hit the seat or dash. Looks close but not as nice as the 35. We chromed it after bending. Dave/Green Bay

41PICUP · 04-25-2011, 09:50 AM

Got this picture out of Mac Van Pelts book on Ford transmissions, he answers all questions in the book. Go to his web-site
www.vanpeltsales.com

gmc1941 · 04-25-2011, 10:49 AM

36-39 4 7/8" from the top of the pivot ball to the end. 32-35 4 1/8 there is a difference in the lever length.

John Mc · 04-25-2011, 11:11 AM

Thanks guys!

Tim Ayers · 04-25-2011, 11:23 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Yeah, reality is so many have been bent over the years for a number of reasons that it may be tough to find a untouched original.

Of course, the million or so that were made, chances are there are still a few good ones left. Best of luck with your search.

Mike in AZ · 04-25-2011, 11:31 AM

and they do make repops.....Mike

Richard · 04-25-2011, 11:35 AM

I like the double bend Ford shifter. It is all good.

rotorwrench · 04-25-2011, 02:33 PM

Hot Rod John on Flee-Pay sells the stainless steel unbent shift control. You bend it any way you want it. Being stainless, it will likely take a good bit of force to bend though. The stainless will polish like chrome without the corrosion problems.

Kerby

OLD...BILL · 04-25-2011, 04:02 PM

I have bent several ( no heat ) with a pipe / conduit bender, sometimes called a "HICKIE " but if you want to come off at a close 90 at the shift tower, maybe some heat ?? to move the shifter closer to your leg or knee, its what feals right?? or thats why cowboys hats turn up on both sides, so you can get 4 people in the front seat of your pickup, think about it. ....OLD....BILL

04-25-2011, 09:29 AM	#1
John Mc Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Crystal Lake, IL Posts: 175	Correct "swan" neck shifter rod? Guys, I've been told that my '39 1/2 Ton should have a unique to '39 transmission shift rod. Is this so? If so, is this readily available somewhere or do I have to have mine bent? __________________ John Mc Crystal Lake, IL '39 1/2 Ton Pickup '56 Lincoln Capri Hardtop '77 Lincoln Town Coupe

04-25-2011, 09:42 AM	#2
Dave/Green Bay Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Green Bay Posts: 391	Re: Correct "swan" neck shifter rod? John: On my 35 with 39 transmission we had to heat and bend the 39 shift lever to look like the swan and not hit the seat or dash. Looks close but not as nice as the 35. We chromed it after bending. Dave/Green Bay Last edited by Dave/Green Bay; 04-25-2011 at 11:26 AM.

04-25-2011, 10:49 AM	#4
gmc1941 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Palatine, Il Posts: 486	Re: Correct "swan" neck shifter rod? 36-39 4 7/8" from the top of the pivot ball to the end. 32-35 4 1/8 there is a difference in the lever length. __________________ 1939 Fordor Deluxe 1939 Ford Coupe Std 1940 Ford pickup Nothing in life is to be feared; it is only to be understood.

04-25-2011, 11:11 AM	#5
John Mc Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Crystal Lake, IL Posts: 175	Re: Correct "swan" neck shifter rod? Thanks guys! __________________ John Mc Crystal Lake, IL '39 1/2 Ton Pickup '56 Lincoln Capri Hardtop '77 Lincoln Town Coupe

04-25-2011, 11:23 AM	#6
Tim Ayers Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: NJ Posts: 6,179	Re: Correct "swan" neck shifter rod? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Yeah, reality is so many have been bent over the years for a number of reasons that it may be tough to find a untouched original. Of course, the million or so that were made, chances are there are still a few good ones left. Best of luck with your search.

04-25-2011, 11:31 AM	#7
Mike in AZ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Waddell, AZ Posts: 2,540	Re: Correct "swan" neck shifter rod? and they do make repops.....Mike

04-25-2011, 11:35 AM	#8
Richard Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Santa Fe Springs, California Posts: 280	Re: Correct "swan" neck shifter rod? I like the double bend Ford shifter. It is all good. __________________ I am a believer

04-25-2011, 02:33 PM	#9
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,431	Re: Correct "swan" neck shifter rod? Hot Rod John on Flee-Pay sells the stainless steel unbent shift control. You bend it any way you want it. Being stainless, it will likely take a good bit of force to bend though. The stainless will polish like chrome without the corrosion problems. Kerby

04-25-2011, 04:02 PM	#10
OLD...BILL Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Northern California,coast Posts: 552	Re: Correct "swan" neck shifter rod? I have bent several ( no heat ) with a pipe / conduit bender, sometimes called a "HICKIE " but if you want to come off at a close 90 at the shift tower, maybe some heat ?? to move the shifter closer to your leg or knee, its what feals right?? or thats why cowboys hats turn up on both sides, so you can get 4 people in the front seat of your pickup, think about it. ....OLD....BILL