Author Topic: 1968 4-speed gearshift base  (Read 359 times)

Offline nightmist

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 17
1968 4-speed gearshift base
« on: October 29, 2024, 02:47:10 AM »
I am looking for the correct style of square base for my 68 Mustang gearshift when installed without the lower console. 

I have seen some use a base in a camera-case finish with four screws and others use a smooth chrome version with no screws that just floats on top of the carpet. 

What is factory correct?

I have a San Jose 390 GT fastback 4-speed with decor interior.

Offline ruppstang

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3923
Re: 1968 4-speed gearshift base
« Reply #1 on: October 29, 2024, 09:32:12 AM »
The chrome plate without holes is correct.

Offline nightmist

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 17
Re: 1968 4-speed gearshift base
« Reply #2 on: October 29, 2024, 06:22:50 PM »
Thanks--The chrome square base just sits on the carpet with no screws to attach it?

Offline 67350#1242

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 313
Re: 1968 4-speed gearshift base
« Reply #3 on: October 29, 2024, 08:05:45 PM »
Yes it fits into the lower fold of the shift boot.
67 Coupe SJ 11/16/66
67 GT350 SJ 2/01/67

Offline J_Speegle

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 24578
Re: 1968 4-speed gearshift base
« Reply #4 on: October 29, 2024, 08:56:28 PM »
Couple of pictures

Same arrangement with 3 and 4 speed shifters






Also an first example above example could have been viewed in the Unrestored Picture Thread  ;) - 68 Mustang & Shelby under the thread label of -
68 San Jose S Code 4 Speed Fastback - Unrestored Picture Thread
Jeff Speegle

Anything worth doing is worth doing concours ;)

Offline nightmist

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 17
Re: 1968 4-speed gearshift base
« Reply #5 on: October 31, 2024, 01:49:52 AM »
Thanks again. Was the chrome bezel base of the gearshift changed with the decor interior option (or just the gearshift knob was changed)?

Offline J_Speegle

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 24578
Re: 1968 4-speed gearshift base
« Reply #6 on: October 31, 2024, 03:23:09 AM »
Thanks again. Was the chrome bezel base of the gearshift changed with the decor interior option (or just the gearshift knob was changed)?

No the chrome bezel was the same for both styles of interiors (with out counsel) for manual transmissions - Same for other years also. The bezel you showed has been often sold as a bezel for Mustangs at places like EBay and I guess many made the choice to purchase them. They were also sometimes used to hide the carpet cut out when someone cut the square for the shifter too large to be covered with the all chrome one
Jeff Speegle

Anything worth doing is worth doing concours ;)

Offline Bob Gaines

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 9317
Re: 1968 4-speed gearshift base
« Reply #7 on: October 31, 2024, 01:00:11 PM »
No the chrome bezel was the same for both styles of interiors (with out counsel) for manual transmissions - Same for other years also. The bezel you showed has been often sold as a bezel for Mustangs at places like EBay and I guess many made the choice to purchase them. They were also sometimes used to hide the carpet cut out when someone cut the square for the shifter too large to be covered with the all chrome one
+1 . Warning - when new carpet is installed it is prudent to cut a very small initial hole only large enough for shifter lever and no larger.  The hole can always be trimmed larger as needed but if too large it can't be made smaller.  ;) 
Bob Gaines,Shelby enthusiast, Shelby collector , Shelby concours judge SAAC,MCA,Mid America Shelby

Offline jwc66k

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 7341
Re: 1968 4-speed gearshift base
« Reply #8 on: October 31, 2024, 07:20:52 PM »
Warning - when new carpet is installed it is prudent to cut a very small initial hole only large enough for shifter lever and no larger.  The hole can always be trimmed larger as needed but if too large it can't be made smaller.  ;)
Bob nailed it. There is one other problem; your initial hole will be "off center". To finish off cutting the carpet to the optimum size rectangular hole, you will have to cut more "forward", more "aft" (I'm former USN), or more "left" or more "right" or a combination of those. Ask me how I know.
Jim
I promise to be politically correct in all my posts to keep the BBBB from vociferating.