Shifter handle options for 833 1972 challenger

[angry_bear_md]

Hello, it may be blasphemous to say but I’m not the biggest fan of the pistol grip, I’d prefer the ball shifter handle. I have an a833 for my 72 challenger and couldn’t find options on Google other than the pistol grip. Is there a vendor that makes a ball shifter handle for 833 for e body? Seems like only the B bodies got the ball shifter?

 

[Steve340]

Never heard of one. You will probably have to get one made how you want it.
The E body shifter handle seems quite short.

 

[Daves69]

maybe something here fits the bill...........

https://www.shifterdoc.com/Hurst_Replacement_Shifter_Handles.pdf

 

[rklein71]

I actually prefer a ball too, but went with the pistol grip because it is by far cooler than a ball, and I don't really want to discuss with everyone why my car doesn't have a pistol grip. I did go with a tuff wheel which was not an option for an E-body.

 

[Chryco Psycho]

3 spd ball shifter can be mounted I believe

 

[Challenger RTA]

Hurst compaction shifter I think that's what is was. If you can find one. When I first looked at my challenger the owner had one in it. You have to change the mechanism too.

 

[rmchrgr]

Hello, it may be blasphemous to say but I’m not the biggest fan of the pistol grip, I’d prefer the ball shifter handle. I have an a833 for my 72 challenger and couldn’t find options on Google other than the pistol grip. Is there a vendor that makes a ball shifter handle for 833 for e body? Seems like only the B bodies got the ball shifter?

Ha! I am not a fan of Pistol Grip shifters either! Glad to know I'm not the only one! IMO they are just corny. I know people will vehemently disagree but that's OK, I like what I like. I think that most people use Pistol Grips because that's what you do but just because the factory foisted it on E Body buyers does not mean you're bound by some ancient Mopar Law to use one. To me it feels like your wrist and hand are pointing downwards when you shift forward which feels especially awkward. Normally I like to use my palm to put the shifter into 1st or 3rd and pull it into 2nd or 4th between the base of my fingers and top of my palm.

I'm also converting my '72 Challenger to a 4 speed so I've researched this exact subject a bit. Here's a diagram of the E body Pistol Grip Shifter for reference.

Though I have not tried to fit any of these myself, there are some generic handles that appear like they would work. Hurst # 8550 is a Fox Mustang shifter handle. It has a rearward bend that puts the ball in a similar position to the top of the pistol grip. I'm not sold on the appearance of it though, looks a bit too modern for an E Body. Might be a bit short as well.

Next is the Hurst #6836 handle which I think would look more at home but may not be a perfect fit. That handle has a 7/8" jog to the right so without it being in the car it's hard to know if it will line up with the boot. Pretty sure it's a generic Brand-X handle. Brewer's sells these as generic replacement handles but they don't specify what it would fit. Guess you could ask them.

There's also this one, #8009. I have not seen too many of these around so it might take some looking to find one. This one is angled 1" from the mount towards the driver which could be a good thing.

Also might want to check Ebay or wherever for an old, generic Mr. gasket shifter handle. If I'm not mistaken they made one that is similar to the Hurst #6836 but without the jog. You'd have to take a chance on one of those, I don't have a diagram for them.

Good luck and PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE update this thread with pics when you figure it out.

 

[rmchrgr]

Couple more bits of info on this. Holley swallowed up the Hurst brand so all new Hurst shifter handles are now on the page I linked below. I see a few more possibilities so this just comes down to what you want to try.

Hurst Shifter sticks

Check out this Long shifter as well. I'd say this looks promising since there is no jog to the right and the height is similar.

Long hn1012

As with any part that deviates from the stock piece, you have to be aware of the setback and where it puts the shifter ball in relation to your hand. Another style of shifter may introduce some unseen issue. I doubt it would be a deal breaker but you won't know until you try it.

E Body seats are pretty low compared to other platforms and the shifter itself is mounted at the back of the tail housing so those parameters factor into the shift handle ergonomics. Chrysler put a lot of R&D into whatever they did so you can be certain they made sure the Pistol Grip shifter would fit most people comfortably while still being able to perform adequately. In that regard, (looks aside) I think the Mustang shifter handle seems to make the most sense as far as positioning. If it was an inch or two taller it would probably be near perfect.

Here's an example of form vs. function. In my old '68 Coronet I had a Ricky Racer Hurst #4084 handle in it for a bit. It looked bad ass and tough sticking up out of the console and had a positive feel when shifting aggressively. However, it basically made the car undrivable because it hit the dash in 1st or 3rd. I ended up with the factory S-shaped pretzel looking one that bends over to the left and leans back towards the driver. That one felt perfect in relation to the seat position. Goofy looking yes, but it worked 1000x better.

Everything is a compromise.

 

[angry_bear_md]

I appreciate all the links and advice! I’m gonna read into them and figure out what I’ll do.

 

[marksmopars]

Just a note that for performance shifting nothing beats the pistol grip for that second to third shift on a h pattern shifter, imho.

 

[rmchrgr]

Just a note that for performance shifting nothing beats the pistol grip for that second to third shift on a h pattern shifter, imho.

That's where we're going to have to disagree. The angle of the grip makes it feel as if your wrist is pointing down which does not feel natural or comfortable for me. It's all good though, there's no right or wrong choice.

Dandy Dick is using a T handle here with a Super Shifter but you get the idea. The hand position and shift action would be the same with a ball - push with your palm and pull with your fingers.



You Tube is really aggressive with their ad block policy so I apologize if the clip does not load.

 

[michigan2023]

Restoration project I’m working on…willing to swap for a pistol grip if you have one

View attachment IMG_2478.jpeg

 

[angry_bear_md]

Restoration project I’m working on…willing to swap for a pistol grip if you have one

View attachment 137019

View attachment 137020

I dont currently have one, so exploring options. Which hurst is that?