58 Muncie Install Help

[Jason P.]

Re: 58 Muncie Install Help

Hi Tom, I am just getting around to getting a shifter hooked up to the Muncie on my 58 Vette.

I know you said to get a Hurst for a 63-65 Vette and that would work.

Are either of these the shifter I would need?

Option 1:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/395160583254?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=Tr5H-B0iRGK&sssrc=2047675&ssuid=biugUPwYRD-&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

Option 2:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/375212317350?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=DOwFSA0JTXq&sssrc=2047675&ssuid=biugUPwYRD-&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

[Tom P.]

Re: 58 Muncie Install Help

Jason,
Option 2 looks like the one. It APPEARS to have a bolt-on handle, and if so, IF SO DESIRED, there is a REPLICA of a 56-58 handle from the Corvette vendors that is a direct bolt-on fit for the Hurst shifter. The result is the positive shifting of a Hurst, and the appearance of a factory handle.
This replica handle on a Hurst shifter is on the Muncie in our 56.

[Jason P.]

Re: 58 Muncie Install Help

Tom, do you happen to know what model Hurst shifter and what linkage to get so it works in a 58 Corvette with a M20 Muncie? My Muncie has the studs sticking out and uses nuts to attach the linkage.

[Tom P.]

Re: 58 Muncie Install Help

Jason,
What I have the best success with is a Hurst shifter for a 63-65 Corvette. Plus the linkage kit (they are usually sold separate).
And to retain that factory look inside the car, I use a REPLICA handle for a 56-58 Corvette. White or chrome balls are available. I just liked the chrome ball.

Oh yes, as an added note, the correct reproduction shifter boot for the 56-57 always wants to come out from under the shifter plate. Someone, I don't remember who (Paragon, Corvette Central, etc?) has a CORRECT APPEARING shifter boot with a stiff wire embedded inside the lip of the boot, around the perimeter of the boot, which keeps it stiff and it stays under the shifter plate.

[Jason P.]

Re: 58 Muncie Install Help

Thanks Tom. I appreciate it.

[Tom P.]

Re: 58 Muncie Install Help

Earlier I was explaining about the necessity of using a bell housing that has the 2 threaded holes on the left side for the Z-bar bracket.
Here is a picture which shows that.

[Jason P.]

Re: 58 Muncie Install Help

Thanks. I got the correct bell housing

[Leo G.]

Re: 58 Muncie Install Help

Tom Parsons you sir are a credit to this hobby, old guard, new guard, no guard. Your willingness to help others is wonderful, thank you soooooooo much for sharing your knowledge and passion with anyone you believe you can help.

Drive em safe with respect

Leo

[Jason P.]

Re: 58 Muncie Install Help

Is there a proper install sequence?<br />
<br />
Does the shifter and Hurst linkage need to be installed on the transmission before the transmission gets installed? I dont have a lift and I am using jack stands. <br />
<br />
I have the transmission installed right now and can't see how I can install the Hurst shifter die to lack of room with the granny installed. <br />
<br />
I hate to drop the transmission again to install the shifter and linkage just to find out I can't install it back into the car due to lack of room.<br />
<br />
Can it be done either way or is one way a lot easier than the other?<br />
<br />
Thanks,<br />
Jason

[Tom P.]

Re: 58 Muncie Install Help

Jason,
First of all, is this the type of mounting that you have at the rear of the Muncie?
I need to know what you have before I can really answer your questions.

[Jason P.]

Re: 58 Muncie Install Help

Yes Tom, I did just as you said and have the later model crossmember braket and will have it lowered by using 1 inch square tubing.

[Jason P.]

Re: 58 Muncie Install Help

Also, I just wanted to say again I am asking about the install sequence of the Hurst shifter and linkage. It looks like there would be zero clearance to use the alignment tool or to get the top bolt in the shifter that attaches it to the mounting bracket.

Can the transmission be installed with the shifter and linkage already setup and attached to the transmission? Or if the transmission has to be installed first, how do you get the shifter top bolt inbplace to attach the shifter to the mounting bracket.

[Tom P.]

Re: 58 Muncie Install Help

Also, I just wanted to say again I am asking about the install sequence of the Hurst shifter and linkage. It looks like there would be zero clearance to use the alignment tool or to get the top bolt in the shifter that attaches it to the mounting bracket.

Can the transmission be installed with the shifter and linkage already setup and attached to the transmission? Or if the transmission has to be installed first, how do you get the shifter top bolt inbplace to attach the shifter to the mounting bracket.

For all practical purposes, installing a Hurst shifter on a Muncie in your 58 will be essentially the same as my 56------------WITH THE MUNCIE IN THE CAR.
FIRST,
Support the transmission (bottle jack or whatever) and REMOVE the transmission cross membrer to allow fingers to reach the tail housing area of the Muncie. INSTALLING THOSE BOLTS CAN BE CHALLENGING, BUT IT CAN BE DONE!
Install the shifter mounting plate with the appropriate bolts (be calm, be calm). It may help to push the rear of the Muncie (get Arnold Schwarzenegger to help) slightly over to the right to get the last bolt in.
Then install the shift levers on the shifter shafts on the side cover.
install the shifter on the mounting plate.
Install and adjust the rods (you MAY prefer to install the rods on the shifter before bolting the shifter to the mounting plate).
By now, you should be tired and frustrated.
Last, Install the shifter handle to the shifter.
TRUST ME, it will all go together and work fine.

[Jason P.]

Re: 58 Muncie Install Help

Ok thanks for all the info and help.

I was able to get the Muncie installed with the Hurst shifter and linkage. I have the granny crossmember lowered by an inch.

The issue I am now trying to work through is the shifter comes up through the hole but it is located at the back of the hole and won't allow you to shift any.

What do I need now in order to be able to have enough room to shift?

[Tom P.]

Re: 58 Muncie Install Help

Which set of holes on the Muncie tail housing is the Hurst shifter plate bolted to?
Which Hurst shifter do you have? I have the Hurst for a 63-65 with a Muncie.