1956 aftermarket gear shifter

[BELLS T-BIRD]

Has anyone replaced the shifter mechanism with an after market style and if so which one did you use?

This page contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated. As an eBay Partner, and Amazon Associate I may be compensated if you make a purchase at no cost to you.

 

[1957Birdman]

Are you talking about stick-shift or automatic?
Lew Bachman
1957 Colonial White

 

[BELLS T-BIRD]

It is an automatic,

 

[1957Birdman]

The only change of automatic shifters I have seen are with cars that have installed a Cruise-o-Matic transmission. These cars use a Mustang floor shift. The regular T-Bird is easily restored by replacing a few parts that generally wear out. My first T-Bird had such a loose shifter that it was almost like a stick shift. After replacing the pawl and pivot pin and bushings it was back as good as when it came from the factory. If you have the original, I would suggest rebuilding it.
Lew Bachman
1957 Colonial White

 

[BELLS T-BIRD]

Thank you Lew for the suggestion . What I have run into is that the pawl is not available anymore. I have been told by two of the major parts suppliers that the company that was making the pawl has gone out of business. I may take my old pawl to a local machine shop and see if it can be reproduced. I will let you know how it turns out. Thanks again.
Jim Stroup

 

[1957Birdman]

Jim,
I would check with other parts suppliers just to be sure the pawl is not available. Prestige Thunderbird, Concours Auto Parts, CASCO (classictbird), and National Parts Depot (NPD) all list the part and NPD says they have them in stock. I would check with them before you go the machine shop route. Hopefully one of them still has one in stock.
Lew Bachman
1957 Colonial White

 

[BELLS T-BIRD]

Lew thank you very much for your help. I was able to get the Pawl part- plus some other needed parts from NPD. This forum is a great place to turn to when you are at a loss and need help. Thank you. Jim