-How to custom mount an Aftermarket Shifter into your Charger...

[Mefirst]

Here you have some pics of my custom project when I mounted a Hurst V-Matic II ratchet shifter into the stock console (click the links and the pics are large)

FIRST... You have to dissemble the shifter a little to get it to go through the hole in the console lid. There is one small pop rivet you have to drill out (You don't have to put in a new one!!!) Then "hammer" out another small rivet thingy. This so you are able to unscrew the finger pulley thingy from the shifter, otherwise you will not be able to stick, whats left of the shifter, through the hole in the console lid. (DON'T LOOSE THE SMALL RIVET THINGY!!! You need it later when you put the shifter back together!) You also have to file down the hole in the console lid to make it larger so the shifter is able to move from 1st to P...


OK. In the first pic you see the stock shifter mounting bracket. You have to scarify it, in other words cut it out with a grinder. (The reason I did the whole project was cause the stock shifter was so worn out and loose, I some times had problem getting the trans into gear... and I just loved the look of the T-handle..)

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a225/Gimmegimmies/P2200079.jpg

In this pic I'm fitting where about to mount the new shifter (I did change sides to the driver side after the pic was taken, better light on the passanger side to take a good pic)

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a225/Gimmegimmies/P2200080.jpg

Here you see the attaching bolts I welded to the floor hump. It took some time to find the correct spot and you have to check the placement with the console as well. This is the worst and the part of this whole custom job that will cause you a headache... -Ooh, just a side note. If you are as nuts as me, to weld inside the car with the carpet still in place, be shore that you have a fire extinguisher near by !!!

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a225/Gimmegimmies/P2200081.jpg

Here the shifter is in mounted and ready to Rock n´ Roll...

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a225/Gimmegimmies/P2200082.jpg

Sadly I didint take any pics of how I mounted the console. But just be innovative and it will turn out fine. And remember that its the placement of the shifter thats most important so you'll reach it comfortably, the placement of the console is secondary..

Here is a pic of the interior when everything was done. (The small red switch on the console lid is the On/Off switch for the Line Lock)

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a225/Gimmegimmies/P4300027.jpg

Hope this post helps...

Take care..

/Tom

[firefighter3931]

Good thread Tom....thanks for taking the time to post it up. I'll be installing my v-matic shortly and this is an excellent reference ! 

Ron

Ps. Any news on the engine ?