Road test of the ''Michigan shorter shifter''

[ga.spyder]

I aquired one of Mike Bouse's shifters,and it arrived today.It was installed in 10 min.,although I didnt follow the instructions where it said to''stand on the front seats and pull until the old shifter pops off and throws you into the back seat'' I had a shift knob that fit the new thread,so I was done in no time.
The shifter doesnt spin anymore ,which really annoyed me with the factory lever(yes,I had replaced the bushings).I have always felt that the shifter was very vauge in the Fiat,and the oversized lever reminded me of a VW.The upshifts and downshifts are very positive now,and put me in mind of the feel of an MG(gasp)! I have to drive with the seat all the way back,and was worried I would have to reach for shifts. If anything,the ''shorter shifter'' felt more natural to me than the stock unit.A really nice,inexpensive upgrade for the car w/ excellent design and easy installation. Thanks,Mike
Craig

[pope]

Craig, how about a pic of the new toy in place.

[ga.spyder]

I will post one tomorrow
Craig

[rlux4]

You mean you went ahead and got one, even after I tried to tell you what a piece of.....
Kidding Mike!
I'm glad you like it Craig. Even after driving with mine for a while, it still feels like a new driving experience. It's just got a better feel in my opinion.
Ron

[ga.spyder]

Here are a couple pix of the shifter in place.Also,take note of the cheesy sheepskin seat covers(winter use only),and the vintage Alpine cassette player! The plate is loose as I still have a little work to do on the boot.
Craig

[baltobernie]

How about a tutorial on proper selection of "Hi" and "Lo" range of the gearbox?

[rlux4]

And I thought I knew what Georgia overdrive was.
Ron

[ga.spyder]

Geeesh,I thought I would throw a pic of the stock shifter in for a reference.I should have known better with this crowd!!
Craig

[So Cal Mark]

I hear that everything is shorter in Michigan

[racydave]

You should find a Rabbi to fix that boot!

[mbouse]

thanks Craig, thanks Ron. things always work better when the barter system is in full force.

i am happy that the shifter works well for you.

tomorrow, Monday, i will have the 2009 batch of shifters available.