Shifter handles without the "Muncie" stamp? [Archive]

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NCGuy68

10-18-2005, 01:46 AM

Over the years, there have been rumors that a few early 67 Z28 cars didn't have Muncie on the handle. As many of us know, a plain handle was intalled with a Saginaw transmission. I've been asked to restore a shifter from a late Dec. 1966 car that doesn't say Muncie. The shifter and linkage are indeed small block OEM Muncie.

Anyone ever seen a unmolested example of this?

Thanks for knowlegable replys Gents.

budnate

10-18-2005, 02:00 AM

I did years ago about '84 had one out of 67 rs/ss 350 car..no idea of date didnt know how to read trim tags then..no one has beleived me there were plain handle shifters for muncies...Craig I think you even told me no way awhile back... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

is it stamped at the base????

P.J.

10-18-2005, 03:19 AM

I have one that has no stampings on it and the other one has a Big T stamped on it. Does anyone have an idea what its for.
suprss70

Rick

10-18-2005, 04:39 AM

My understanding of that style shifter is:
Handle with MUNCIE: 67-8 Camaro with Muncie tranny
Plain handle: 67 Firebird with Muncie or Saginaw; 67 Camaro with Saginaw
Plain handle with T: 68 Camaro with Saginaw

I have heard this from a few people over the years and I have parted a 68 Camaro with a Saginaw and it had a T; also parted a 67 Firebird 400 car with a muncie tranny and it had a plain handle.

NCGuy68

10-18-2005, 05:36 AM

I've seen the large 'T' at the base of Muncie 4 and 3 speeds, Saginaw 4 and 3 speeds from 1967-69 handles. They are random and don't seem to relate to any particular year.

So my question remains: Anyone have a unmolested example of a early 67 plain handle factory installed on a Muncie Tranny?

Early Z28 guys - please chime in.

Jonesy

10-18-2005, 06:55 AM

I dont consider my 67 z/28 an early car because it is a May car, but My shifter is what appears to be original and does not have the muncie on it. It is possible it was replaced, but the car has 19,000 miles and hasnt seen the road since about 1976. I'll try to take pics of it. It is still in the car.

camarojoe

10-18-2005, 08:25 AM

Peter,
I don't know about the shifters, but I think you're due for a new toolbox. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

P.J.

10-19-2005, 01:32 AM

Joe
after 30 years in the trade I then retired at 55.
and now the tools are used on restoring American Muscle,
remember somethings are better with age.
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif
Peter
Suprss70

Belair62

10-19-2005, 02:07 AM

Drop an e-mail to Crash on this site...been to his place...the man is a transmission addict !!!He'll probably have a good idea.

NCGuy68

10-19-2005, 04:27 AM

[ QUOTE ]
I dont consider my 67 z/28 an early car because it is a May car, but My shifter is what appears to be original and does not have the muncie on it. It is possible it was replaced, but the car has 19,000 miles and hasnt seen the road since about 1976. I'll try to take pics of it. It is still in the car.

[/ QUOTE ]

Pictures would be very helpful Mike. Please post them if you can. Thanks for the effort - we all can learn something on this subject.

NCGuy68

10-19-2005, 04:43 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Drop an e-mail to Crash on this site...been to his place...the man is a transmission addict !!!He'll probably have a good idea.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks Bob..........., I'll contact Crash.

Frankly, I'am surprised that no one from the Camaro Research Group (CRG) has replyed.

Feel free to add knowledgable replys Gents and thanks for any good info.

Belair62

10-19-2005, 05:32 AM

I dropped Crash a note Craig

68SSCamaro

10-19-2005, 09:04 AM

I've heard of at least 2 67's with Saginaw transmission that had the MUNCIE stamped handles. I can't remember if there have been any original cars that were the other way around. It sounds like you found one. I suspect that the assembly line workers just grabbed what was available. In the 67 AM there is only one part number. That might have caused confusion. In the 68 AM there are two part numbers; basically one for Saginaw and one for Muncie.

I have several 4-speed shifters with all 4 handle combos; with/without MUNCIE and with/without T. I don't know what the T is for either.

I also have complete Saginaw 3-speed & 4-speed and Muncie SB and BB shifters for reference. I'm only missing the BB stabilizer rod.

I'm one of the "CRG Guys". I have an article on the shifters but it's been in review for some time. I really need to push it through and get it done.

NCGuy68

10-19-2005, 10:01 PM

[ QUOTE ]
I've heard of at least 2 67's with Saginaw transmission that had the MUNCIE stamped handles. I can't remember if there have been any original cars that were the other way around. It sounds like you found one.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah - I might have found one. I'am going to let the owner decide if he wants to retain the plain handle or search for a Muncie. That way HE can argue with the judges as tu whether its 'correct'. Opss...there goes that much over used 'C' word again,

Martin - that BB stablizer rod is probibly the hardest piece to find. Haven't seen one at a swap meet in years.

Jonesy

10-20-2005, 08:09 AM

Here are the pics of the shifter in my 67 z/28. It doesnt appear to have ever been out of the car, but who knows. This car was drag raced and it is very possible it could have been changed out. Take a look and tell me what you think. I couldnt find any stampings.

Jonesy

10-20-2005, 08:10 AM

Jonesy

10-20-2005, 08:11 AM

Jonesy

10-20-2005, 08:12 AM

Jonesy

10-20-2005, 08:12 AM

Jonesy

10-20-2005, 08:14 AM

Jonesy

10-20-2005, 08:15 AM

Linkage. Does it look right??

Jonesy

10-20-2005, 08:21 AM

I never realized until today that once I pulled the shifter knob off, the threaded part at the top was broke off. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

NCGuy68

10-21-2005, 12:37 AM

Mike......the shift levers are for sure Muncie and what I could see of the linkage looks right as well. The pin that attaches the handle has the 'C' type spring clip on it - the way they came from the factory. Doesn't look like the handle has been changed. I noted the the handle return spring and its cup are missing - not at all unusual.

I've got several spare plain handles if you need one(the broken threads). I'll give one to you, you pay shipping. It will need rechromed.

Thanks for the photos.

Jonesy

10-22-2005, 05:20 AM

Craig

I may take you up on that offer. I already had a "MUNCIE" stamped handle that I was going to put in it, but I may want a plain one instead. I was told that my car should have the MUNCIE on the handle, but I think this is the orig shifter.

NCGuy68

10-22-2005, 09:34 PM

Mike,

It sure looks original from the pics. Others have sent me pics of their originals as well - all 1967 cars - Z28s and SS small blocks. I'd love to see a BB plain handled Muncie shifter but haven't yet. I agree with you, keep the plain handle in your car.

At this point in time, I'am willing to say that SOME 1967 cars received Muncie shifters with plain handles. Obviously, this is contrary to popular opinion, but I'am sticking to it.