Topic: "T" handle automatic shift knob
in Forum: C3 Driveline Components
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Former Member
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Cramerton, NC - USA
Joined: 8/22/2006
Posts: 1094
Vette(s): black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion
Has anyone seen or know of a source for "T" handle shift knobs for a C3 vette automatic. I've never seen one, it's just a thought, but a change from the traditional round ball would be interesting.
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Greensburg, IN - USA
Joined: 9/24/2003
Posts: 5189
Vette(s): Previous: 1984 Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe, 1989 Coupe, 2001 Roadster Present: 1967 Stingray Roadster, 1976 Stingray Coupe, 1989 Roadster..
Hi Chip,
I have Hurst T handles in both my 76 & 01 Vettes. I like the ol' school look and feel. It reminds me of days gone by.
In the 76 I had the handle machined for the proper shaft size. Then I had a hole drilled though it for the push button. Last I had a button machined to thread on to the push button plunger threads.
In my 01 I bought an adapter kit and had the handle machined to fit the threads. It works differently. Rather than using the push button to unlock the selector the actual handle itself pushes down.
I think that I am going to put a shifter boot on the 76 though. After having the the one on the 01 I like the looks better. Hope that helps.... if you have other questions just ask!
I have Hurst T handles in both my 76 & 01 Vettes. I like the ol' school look and feel. It reminds me of days gone by.
In the 76 I had the handle machined for the proper shaft size. Then I had a hole drilled though it for the push button. Last I had a button machined to thread on to the push button plunger threads.


In my 01 I bought an adapter kit and had the handle machined to fit the threads. It works differently. Rather than using the push button to unlock the selector the actual handle itself pushes down.

I think that I am going to put a shifter boot on the 76 though. After having the the one on the 01 I like the looks better. Hope that helps.... if you have other questions just ask!

Former Member
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Cramerton, NC - USA
Joined: 8/22/2006
Posts: 1094
Vette(s): black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion
Those are slick, especially the one on the C5. If I cant find a source for them I may have to resort to the machine shop route. Thanks for posting Tux

Irving, TX - USA
Joined: 8/21/2004
Posts: 4273
Vette(s): #1 -1969 Corvette Coupe Riverside Gold, black interior,MN,A/C,350/350,PS,PB,window cranks.
#2 -2000 C5, black/black, 6 sp, Bose system & lots of buttons.
Man, that looks good Tux. I should of looked at your C5 closer at Hot Springs.......so SWEET!
I used to have a Hurst Shifter in the '65 C2 I used to have. It had a chrome base with "Hurst" down the sides with a white ball handle. Man, I really liked it. It came that way when I bought it so I don't know what "Hurst model" shifter it was (never had the t-handle for it). I wonder if anyone has seen a Hurst shifter like that......
This was back in the '80's. 


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MICK - C3VR Lifetime Member #113

Manteca, CA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2005
Posts: 3623
Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold
1975 L48 4 speed
[QUOTE=greypoupon69]I used to have a Hurst Shifter in the '65 C2 I used to have. It had a chrome base with "Hurst" down the sides with a white ball handle. Man, I really liked it. It came that way when I bought it so I don't know what "Hurst model" shifter it was (never had the t-handle for it). I wonder if anyone has seen a Hurst shifter like that......
This was back in the '80's.
[/QUOTE]


Sounds like the "Competition Plus" Mick
Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again.
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Irving, TX - USA
Joined: 8/21/2004
Posts: 4273
Vette(s): #1 -1969 Corvette Coupe Riverside Gold, black interior,MN,A/C,350/350,PS,PB,window cranks.
#2 -2000 C5, black/black, 6 sp, Bose system & lots of buttons.
[QUOTE=aceinthehole][QUOTE=greypoupon69]I used to have a Hurst Shifter in the '65 C2 I used to have. It had a chrome base with "Hurst" down the sides with a white ball handle. Man, I really liked it. It came that way when I bought it so I don't know what "Hurst model" shifter it was (never had the t-handle for it). I wonder if anyone has seen a Hurst shifter like that......
This was back in the '80's.
[/QUOTE]


Sounds like the "Competition Plus" Mick
[/QUOTE]
Thanks for the info!

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MICK - C3VR Lifetime Member #113

Mundelein, IL - USA
Joined: 6/9/2008
Posts: 411
Vette(s): 1978 25 anniversary blue on blue with T-tops.
are you able to purchase them without having them machined?
I would love to do that but do not have equipment to"fix" one
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Former Member
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Cramerton, NC - USA
Joined: 8/22/2006
Posts: 1094
Vette(s): black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion
Thats what I was hoping William but so far it looks like custom made is going to be it unless someone knows something they havent posted yet.

Greensburg, IN - USA
Joined: 9/24/2003
Posts: 5189
Vette(s): Previous: 1984 Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe, 1989 Coupe, 2001 Roadster Present: 1967 Stingray Roadster, 1976 Stingray Coupe, 1989 Roadster..
I had mine machined for several reasons....
I had the T handles from previous vehicles.
They were tapped as metric thread last.
The C3 required the plunger button due to the design.
I have a friend who is a machinist.
The cost was ZERO.....
You could utilize the handle without the plunger but the shifter would not lock into the chosen gear selction.
I wouldn't suggest that.
I have a smaller compression button but like the larger flat button for palm comfort.
I had the T handles from previous vehicles.
They were tapped as metric thread last.
The C3 required the plunger button due to the design.
I have a friend who is a machinist.
The cost was ZERO.....
You could utilize the handle without the plunger but the shifter would not lock into the chosen gear selction.
I wouldn't suggest that.
I have a smaller compression button but like the larger flat button for palm comfort.
Former Member
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Cramerton, NC - USA
Joined: 8/22/2006
Posts: 1094
Vette(s): black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion
Tux, do you happen to remember the thread pitch? probably metric? Ive got a lot of SAE taps but not many metric. I have access to a machine shop but certainly dont claim to be a machinist but think this would be within my ability.
in Forum: C3 Driveline Components
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