Expert: jack bahm - 6/19/2008

Question
Hi.
My grandpa and I are re-building a 1965 Ford Falcon Futura 2 dr ht. It was originally a 4-speed manual transmission. The guy we bought it from changed it over to an automatic, but had trouble putting in a floor shifter because the hump does not give enough space. My grandpa said, "Well, the Falcons and Mustangs of that time have interchangable parts, we'll just cut the hump out of a '65 Mustang and put it in the Falcon." However, when we looked at it, the hump of the Mustang was a lot bigger. More square and looks like it stands a bit higher. He doesn't want to put it in because he's not sure the carpet in the kit will be enough to cover everything. We also have a 1965 Comet with an automatic shifter on the column. So, he plans to take out that column and put it in the Falcon and just cover the Falcon hump with part of the Comet hump. As a personal preference, I would like to put the shifter on the floor. Is there ANY way possible to do this?

Thanks,
Michael

Answer
I am a Model A guy, but I will offer a few comments.  I am not familiar with you car, but I would try to get the floor shifter in and not let the potential carpet problem stop you.  You can always cover it somehow.  Don't let the tail wag the dog.  The column shift mechanism can be tricky.  If it is straight forward, then try it, but I would not.  Move that sheet metal around and make the floor shifter fit.  If you can find a Ford car club near you, jin it and let them help you.  You would have more fun with the car that way.
Sorry I can't be of more help.  Good luck.
jack