Midyear versus Shark Body shifter.....similar?

[Michael G.]

Knowing shifters can appear alike, is there any identifiable aspects between Midyear (64-67) and Shark Body cars? Any numbers or measurable diffferences? Thanks in advance. Regards, Mike #28614

[William C.]

Re: Midyear versus Shark Body shifter.....similar?

Length of the handle on the shark models is noticable longer, as is the square section the round part of the handle is welded to.

[Michael G.]

Re: Midyear versus Shark Body shifter.....similar?

Thanks Bill but you haven't given me much to go on. Noticable...is that 1/4", 1/2". Same on square section. What are you saying. Can anyone be more specific? How about any numbers on lever? Thanks, Mike #28614

[William C.]

Re: Midyear versus Shark Body shifter.....similar?

Square section about one inch higher, very noticable if you are all all familiar with the midyear versions, on the midyear, the square section is only slightly above the steel part of the shifter that the shaft pivots on, on the sharks, it sticks up quite noticably.

[Joe L.]

Re: Midyear versus Shark Body shifter.....similar?

Mike------

The 68-76 shifter lever is 7-1/2" from the base of the round shaft (where it is welded to the "squarish" base section) to the top of the knob threads. The 64-67 shifter lever is ABOUT 1" shorter, but I don't know the exact difference. However, with the information I've provided regarding the 68-76 lever, you should be able to differentiate them.

For the 64-67 shifter, the round section is welded onto the "squarish" base section in a manner that the round section is nearly perpendicular to the base. For the 68-76, there is a noticeable "offset" between these components. I cannot further describe it.

There is no part number or other identifying number on the shifter levers.

[Michael G.]

Re: Midyear versus Shark Body shifter.....similar?

Thanks guys. It's becoming clearer. Regarding part #'s Joe. I do find a number on the lower portion (curved area) of the lever. where it meshes into the body of the shifter with the levers. It's part #3921640. Any thoughts here?

[Joe L.]

Re: Midyear versus Shark Body shifter.....similar?

Mike------

Yes, I forgot about that. Often, it's illegible. It's a forging number for the base section of the lever and it's a component of the GM #3921638 lever assembly. This is the lever component of the shifter assembly used for 1968-76 Corvettes.

[Michael G.]

Re: Midyear versus Shark Body shifter.....similar?

Wa...La! There we go. It appears I have exceptionally nice survivor 68-76 shifter. Now to get it to someone who can use it. Thanks all.

[William C.]

Re: Midyear versus Shark Body shifter.....similar?

Mike if you aer needing a '64-67 shifter, you could use the one you have and switch the shift handle to the mid-year style using a repro handle. Some vendors will sell just the handle. I replaced the original on my '65 car (minor rust) with one got from Bair's, and it was perfect. The swap is pretty easy to do.

[Joe L.]

Re: Midyear versus Shark Body shifter.....similar?

Bill and Mike-----

Yup, the rest of the linkage is exactly the same. Plus, if you replace the lever you also get a new "blade" which is an integral part of the lever base forging. Wear on this "blade" is one of the major wear problems with 64-81 Corvette shifters.