Has anyone tried to add an additional slot in the column shifter?  I had a hybrid Fordo/FMX trans built, and I want to be able to manually shift to 1st gear.  Thanks - John

John: Lake Forest, IL



'57 Fairlane 500 - Looking better every day.

John:

I have an FMX in my Ranchero, and am able to shift into manual low without modifying the detents.  The pointer does not align exactly with the letters, but it doesn't really cause any problems. 

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

John, I think you mentioned that to me before when I had the trans built.  However I don't seem to have enough play in slots to get it to drop into 1st.  I took a look at it after I posted and I'm thinking maybe I can just take a dremel to slots on the steering column and create a little extra travel???

John: Lake Forest, IL



'57 Fairlane 500 - Looking better every day.

Yes, that would be doable.  Had to do it on my T-Bird.  I think on the Ranchero I loosened the column clamps at the dash and the steering box and rotated the column tube slightly.  I wasn't getting manual low because the shift lever hit the column tube.  The detent wasn't what was stopping it.  You might look at that before you grind the slot.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

John you are correct - it isn't the slot.  I will try to loosen and twist.  Thanks!

 - John

John: Lake Forest, IL



'57 Fairlane 500 - Looking better every day.