Cat Remote Shifter Adaptation

[IamScotticus]

Hello,

For you with the 4 speed Caterhams you have a remote shifter extension built into the tunnel connecting a shift knob, probably Escort,  to the transmission turret via a ladder type linkage.  

 

Has anyone successfully used this shifter extension on a T-9 5 speed?

Or can anyone say if this is  plausible idea or not?

 

Thanks.

[wdb]

I have a bunch of bits that are supposedly a remote shifter extension. I'd love to see some pictures of how they mount in the tunnel so I can figure out if I can adapt them to my (not a T-9) gearbox.

[MV8]

I guess you are talking about the early above the tunnel exposed shift linkage.

Plausible. The T9 shifters I've seen are not serviceable. They are crimped together around the ball and the handle is integral via a vibration isolator. It can be modified and welded if needed without damaging the ball end. I've modified T5 shifters that had an integral handle (GM applications).

Fill a shallow bucket/bowl/pail with water, place the ball end of the shifter in the pail, boot removed, then heat the isolator section of the handle with a map gas torch until the rubber lets go, allowing the handle and rubber to lift off the steel shaft.

Shorten what remains as low as practical with a metal cutting blade band saw or hack saw. Consider the distance from the shifter ball center to the tab eye for the linkage should be the same or less than the distance between the attachment point on the remote shift lever and it's pivot ball (if a ball is used). With the shifter ball submerged in water, you can weld a tab to engage the shifter link on top of the stub so the shifter boot will still be replaceable.

The link can be as simple as a 1/2 inch tube with tabs on the ends to bolt to the T9 shifter and remote shifter with a one inch od plastic washer in between and a locking fastener loose enough to allow the movement. A large contact area between the tabs is needed for the shifter's lateral control.

 

Edited May 3, 2023 by MV8
Add early shifter pic.

[IamScotticus]

7 hours ago, wdb said:

I have a bunch of bits that are supposedly a remote shifter extension. I'd love to see some pictures of how they mount in the tunnel so I can figure out if I can adapt them to my (not a T-9) gearbox.

See:

https://www.caterhamlotus7.club/forum/techtalk/ford-type-9-gearbox-linkage-extension-issue#comment-2418516

 

[IamScotticus]

7 hours ago, wdb said:

I have a bunch of bits that are supposedly a remote shifter extension.

Have one of these?  I'll buy it. 

[wdb]

14 hours ago, IamScotticus said:

See:

https://www.caterhamlotus7.club/forum/techtalk/ford-type-9-gearbox-linkage-extension-issue#comment-2418516

 

That appears to be essentially the stuff I have in a box. I'm sorry to read that it makes shifting less fun. I guess I'm back to trying to find another lever in case I ruin the one I have when I cut it down.

[IamScotticus]

I wouldn't rule it out based on a few comments.  There could be design and quality issues you might improve on.  

 

The more I consider it, the better I like it as the shorter path to a result of getting car on road.

Edited May 4, 2023 by IamScotticus

[IamScotticus]

23 hours ago, MV8 said:

 

gotta love that wiper motor!

[MV8]

The remote tunnel mount shifter and linkage could be improved or better yet, make your own remote shifter to fit the tunnel mount and make your own linkage while adding lightness. The bolt-on with the shaft through the tail housing plug can work well too if you can keep dust and dirt out of the transmission with some rubber.

 

Maybe a pic with the tunnel cover off and the parts you have? You may be able to send/take the parts and shifter you have to someone who can make a suitable replacement hidden linkage, remote shifter, and modify the existing shifter. 

[IamScotticus]

My tunnel and links will look exactly like this, even ghd OPs car is same year as mine.

Only difference is he has ths T9 installed with a bespoke connector link.  Abd he's RHD.

 

 

I suppose the best I can do is mill smooth-side flats onto the shifter stems so the link, a solid piece of 1" dia steel rod, tapered in the center with matching cut-outs on the ends, will have a flex-free connection.

 

I would need a method for locking out reverse, which is the opposite side of the Escort.

Perhaps a Ferrari type gate box with a physical latch over R?

Edited May 5, 2023 by IamScotticus

[MV8]

I'm confused about the need for a reverse lockout. A 3/4 inch tube link with 1/8 flanges would be fine to replace the link pictured. Doesn't need to have any washers on the outside and a much narrower flange since it uses a cross pin instead of a large contact surface to rotate the linkage. Could be greatly improved with a little work. The lower ball could be replaced with a rod end and 3/8 bolt welded to a 1/2 inch tube shift lever with a cue ball epoxied on or whatever shift knob you might want.

[inchoate]

not to be obtuse, but why do you want to relocate the T9 shifter?  

[IamScotticus]

1 hour ago, inchoate said:

not to be obtuse, but why do you want to relocate the T9 shifter?  

When mating a T9 to a Xflow, the backspacing places the shift knob under and just forward of the dash panel tube.

This is all to try to position the gear lever adjacent to the steering wheel.

In my seating position, I will be extending my arms mostly 90% to grasp the wheel.  It would be difficult to have to stretch forward to shift.

@MV8

The reverse lockout is to keep one from accidentally shifting into R.

[MV8]

I know what a "reverse lock out" is. What I didn't know is the T9 requires a plunge action at the shifter to engage reverse, so you need to disable that (just removing the spring I suppose) and find another way to prevent accidental engagement. Maybe incorporate the plunge action at the remote shifter? I could see a ferrari style gate working with a spring loaded shifter and a notch in the shaft. Not that different from the internal system. 

[IamScotticus]

I don't yet know whats involved wirh the T9.  The T2, the lockout is built into the shifter ball with a spring requiring a push down to overcome a block  but there isn't any lock in the linkage after that, so the remote serves the function.  

The T9 might follow the same logic, but with a 5th gear on the right, and R to right, range of motion is a concern.

I will have all this set up on a test mule dolly so I can work on it before going in the car.  I even have an extra T2 remote takeoff.

This is why I don't get anywhere 

[wdb]

Speaking of remote shifters, I saw one today on a car built in 1937 -- the Ingalls Special.

 

 

[inchoate]

22 hours ago, IamScotticus said:

When mating a T9 to a Xflow, the backspacing places the shift knob under and just forward of the dash panel tube.

This is all to try to position the gear lever adjacent to the steering wheel.

In my seating position, I will be extending my arms mostly 90% to grasp the wheel.  It would be difficult to have to stretch forward to shift.

 

Yeah, that makes perfect sense.  I have adjustable seats and with them back it's quite a reach to the steering wheel.  I can scootch forward though.

[IamScotticus]

Same here, but my goal is to keep the seat back, fit the pedals to my length, and be able to remove the sliding rails lowering my position.

5' 7", 29" inseam.  Im already short.  Im asking a lot of this car.  Damn long cockpit .

Regardless, there is an ideal position for the stick, 5-6 inches to the side of the wheel rim.