Ratchet shifter

[sreta]

While working on my regular shifter which is in really bad condition, I realized that it's gonna cost me too much money and too much time to make it work and look as it should, so maybe it would be better to buy another unit. If I decide to go that route, is it a good idea to replace it with ratchet shifter ? Is there any real advantage over the regular shifter ? Is that better option  ?
Thanks in advance

[Jack]

The regular shifter is a ratchet shifter, the only advantage is if you are racing.

[5th T/A]

I personally much prefer having a Pontiac ratcheting shifter. When going through the gears it allows you to focus on driving and not worry about shifting too far into third when going for second. This also may be an issue more on higher power cars that might cause you to inadvertently pull the shifter back to first when you hit second.

If you have to replace it anyway, why not go for the better shifter. This is going back a long time, but if my memory is correct the lower power automatics were not ratcheting while the higher power cars were.

My 73 TA came with a ratcheting shifter, while my 75 TA did not, my 78 TA W72 had it as well and also my 1980 TA came with one.

[b_hill_86]

Any idea if they were listed on build sheets or the invoice if so equipped? My 77 is far from original but it was (is) a W72 car and had the standard shifter. Though I’ve only had it for 12 years so who knows what happens to it the previous 33 years. No build sheet but nothing listed on the invoice either.

[Wallington]

They also show wear and will start to lean over. You won't get that from a stock shifter. Both will still have wear in the nylon slides that crack or create a twist, a part that would be ideal for reproduction, perhaps a 3D print. I never saw anything to say which cars got them, many owners didn't know they had one until reading a post and going to check, often asking why the slider had a cut-out for all shifters.

[Jack]

They also show wear and will start to lean over. You won't get that from a stock shifter. Both will still have wear in the nylon slides that crack or create a twist, a part that would be ideal for reproduction, perhaps a 3D print. I never saw anything to say which cars got them, many owners didn't know they had one until reading a post and going to check, often asking why the slider had a cut-out for all shifters.

Very true.

[another10th]

I don't think that only the higher power automatics got this shifter, as my 1979 403/auto has one. There is no indication on the build sheet that I can see.
My first experience with this shifter was in a 1969 Grand Prix. (The showroom brochure for the '69 GP refers to this as the "Rally Sports Speed Shifter."  My mother had a '74 Chevelle Malibu Classic with a 350-2bbl. / auto that also had this shifter.
Each of my Trans Ams that were automatics ('75, 78 and '79) had it.
I never realized that some didn't receive this shifter.

[FormTA]

Ya, both if my 301 cars have it and the one is a Formula so, not high powered cars only.

[sreta]

Found one nice, not overpriced piece on eBay, but the seller doesn't want to ship overseas

[TammyTA]

Are you looking for the "His & Hers" type shifter or the "Slap" shifter?    H&H's are crazy expensive. 

The B&M for the Firebird console looks awesome!  at least to me...

[stros]

I’ve had both of the B&Ms.  The Megashifter to me just looks out of place and the handle will burn your hand if it’s hot.  I like the Quicksilver model much better.  Honestly I don’t use the ratchet feature that often though.  Plus you can swap out the Quicksilver shifter ball decal with yet another Firebird decal 

[red brew]

I bought the his and hers shifter because my car came with the stock crap shifter.  Although I like the looks of it, I am having issues getting it to really work correct and getting it adjusted correctly.

[Pega_de]

@sreta, if you still on search for a ratched shifter. You can maybe ask Max Mueller from Switzerland. His original parts are awesome.

->>> www.firebirdparts.ch

[sreta]

Ouu, yes I will, thanks !

[Wallington]

I think I still have one that I restored, replated the lot and rechromed the stick. I'm not sure what the prices are you are considering.

This guy, Tom, often had them.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/121777765745?hash=item1c5a853d71:g:3o0AAOSwv-1eqyYn&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAoLlBXlVAGAzcj0xuKq%2B50yMvFBma94YPo5TxCp3PG%2FYwuatXp07ZhcYJ516nFRGUqvT2SHoDq7Q9v4hUVa0rs6GRam60RtLNn%2F3Jo627PaKXQEUOTH5uJNjrrpHTz8Vng6q%2BsmfU7GEtzpaSFUI8sg6rdR7k9h8FHkUcFtBMizIxwX%2F7G5ghgmcTSc8FPzzuyXnXVpMeORY00SkuSCozUNo%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR9qy7LHIYQ

[sreta]

Thanks Ben ! I've already bought the shifter. It was incomplete but cheep. I'll take the missing parts from the old shifter and rebuild everything. This guy in Switzerland looks interesting. I need some large parts which are expensive to ship from USA.

[roadking77]

Ive got one floating around someplace. It looks like time to restore and sell for that kind of money!

[Wallington]

I was selling them at a loss. No one wants to pay what they even cost, then the rechroming which was about the same price on top. Not to mention you had to combine 3 to create a good one. Lucky it's a hobby of sorts.