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Correct shift Pattern? Hood bow?

Discussion in '1965-1970 Shelby Mustang GT350 & GT500' started by h00kem, Aug 15, 2010.

  1. Aug 15, 2010 #1
    h00kem

    h00kem Member

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    What is the correct shift pattern for a 1969 Shelby GT500 4 speed?

    I have been looking at a car presently for sale. The car has had significant restoration done to it. I noticed that the shift pattern on the shifter knob shows reverse as left and down and then the 4 forward gears in an 'H' pattern with 1st up, 2nd down, etc. However, when I drove the car the actual pattern was reverse left and up (not down). Which is correct? What is the original shift patter for a 1969 Shelby GT500 4 speed? I ask because I am trying to verify that the transmission in the car is correct, at least to the actual shift pattern.


    It is normal for the hood of a 1969 Shelby GT500 to have left to right slight bow such that it sits a bit higher than the fenders over the wheel area?

    The fiberglass hood on the car I am looking at has a slight bow to it from left to right. Does the bow suggest that the hood might be original, a reproduction or who knows? I am trying to determine if the car likely has the original or a replacement hood.

    Thanks for your advice in advance! You folks have been most helpful to a newby!
     
    h00kem, Aug 15, 2010
    h00kem, Aug 15, 2010
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  2. Aug 15, 2010 #2
    zrayr

    zrayr Well-Known Member

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    sounds like it might have a Hurst shifter.

    Z.
     
    zrayr, Aug 15, 2010
    zrayr, Aug 15, 2010
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  3. Aug 15, 2010 #3
    h00kem

    h00kem Member

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    Could a Shelby be ordered with a Hurst shifter from the factory or is it only aftermarket?
     
    h00kem, Aug 15, 2010
    h00kem, Aug 15, 2010
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  4. Aug 15, 2010 #4
    557

    557 Well-Known Member

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    No.Aftermarket....If memory serves me correct the only mustangs that had hurst shifters stock were the boss mustangs...Trent
     
    557, Aug 15, 2010
    557, Aug 15, 2010
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  5. Aug 15, 2010 #5
    zrayr

    zrayr Well-Known Member

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    I believe Trent has it right.

    one other thing you might want to check out is to see if the reverse shifter arm is upside down. On some transmissions this is a possibility, and will make the pattern "backwards". I don't know the '69's well enough to give any more detailed advice.

    Z.
     
    zrayr, Aug 15, 2010
    zrayr, Aug 15, 2010
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  6. Aug 15, 2010 #6
    h00kem

    h00kem Member

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    Thanks guys. I searched for a picture of a hurst shift knob for a 4 speed transmission and the pattern matches the shift pattern of that on the car. Looks like the shifter has been replaced from the original.
     
    h00kem, Aug 15, 2010
    h00kem, Aug 15, 2010
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  7. Aug 16, 2010 #7
    557

    557 Well-Known Member

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    My 67 gt500 has a hurst competition plus shifter in it and reverse is WAY LEFT and up.Trent (great shifter btw)
     
    557, Aug 16, 2010
    557, Aug 16, 2010
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  8. Aug 16, 2010 #8
    DJR

    DJR Well-Known Member

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    The hood bow was a common problem. Some are worse then others.
     
    DJR, Aug 16, 2010
    DJR, Aug 16, 2010
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  9. Aug 16, 2010 #9
    h00kem

    h00kem Member

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    Thanks for the confirmation on the hood bow. I thought I had read somewhere on this site that it was a common problem. The hood bow on this car isn't that bad but it is noticable.
     
    h00kem, Aug 16, 2010
    h00kem, Aug 16, 2010
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  10. Aug 17, 2010 #10
    Bob Gaines

    Bob Gaines Well-Known Member

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    You can sometimes easily eliminate the hood bow on a 69/70 be unhooking the hood springs when you put the hood down. When I used to drive my 69/70's I used a jack holddown "J" hook for a lever and was able to unhook them easily one handed (while holding up the hood with the other hand. This was after I had my technique memorized. The Hurst shifter never came on any year 65-70 Shelby from the factory. In 1970 if you ordered a Mustang with a 4 speed you got a Hurst shifter. I hope this helps. Bob
     
    Bob Gaines, Aug 17, 2010
    Bob Gaines, Aug 17, 2010
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  11. Aug 17, 2010 #11
    h00kem

    h00kem Member

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    Many thanks Bob. Most helpful. Kevin
     
    h00kem, Aug 17, 2010
    h00kem, Aug 17, 2010
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  12. Aug 17, 2010 #12
    whiteykr

    whiteykr Member

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    One more thing on these hoods.I never slam or close my hoods hard. My fathers hood,we are original owners,looks nice all these yrs. later with no spider cracks or any bowing.Both of my 68's are good as well. Ijust shake my head when I see a Shelby hood slammed.
     
    whiteykr, Aug 17, 2010
    whiteykr, Aug 17, 2010
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  13. Aug 19, 2010 #13
    67200F5A02206

    67200F5A02206 Well-Known Member

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    Regarding the hood bow - when the hood is closed the springs have tension and are trying to push the hood up while the latch is holding it down. The highest pressure point is just in front of the hinges. I used to unhook the hinge springs (as detailed above) when I had the hood closed. Also, when I park the car in my garage I leave the hood wide open until the engine has cooled. The only downside to unhooking the spring is that you need to pull FORWARD on the hood as you pull UP or it might catch the leading edge of the cowl. Ask me how I know.

    If you unhook the springs the hood will probably sit lower in the rear because no tension on the hinges.
     
    67200F5A02206, Aug 19, 2010
    67200F5A02206, Aug 19, 2010
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