74 Van shift rod extension

[magikbus]

Hi everyone.  My auto to standard conversion has been going along well until now.  With the shift rod floor bolts adjusted fully back, it's very hard to get the transmission into 3rd gear as the emerg. brake handle is in the way.  I was looking for a 12mm shift rod extension but have come up empty.

I was sitting and staring at the shift rod the other day and suddenly had an epiphany.  If I shortened the rod "in situe" by about 2" is would work and with my longish arms I wouldn't have any problems reaching it.

So the big question was, do I have a 12mm X 1.5mm thread  tap and die?  Why yes I do so I'm contemplating cutting 2" off the top of the shift rod, re-tapping it and using the original handle, not my 8-ball as I had planned.

Anyone see any physical objections to this procedure? 
Stan

[CrazyBrit]

Could you get the shifter cranked back, ie bent slightly instead? I found my old bus shifter was too short and I really didn't like having to bend down to shift it.

[magikbus]

I don't think it could be bent, it's a pretty strong 12 mm rod. That would be the function of the extender, it is Product Code: ACC-C10-3694 on cip1.ca but is out of stock.
Stan

[CrazyBrit]

Take it to a shop and have them bend it properlyfor you.

I used Unlimited Fabrication in Nanaimo recently. They bent up some pipe to make up my new trailing arms for my IRS conversion. I recommend them.

[Rob Sannes]

Stan
I wonder if an aftermarket shifter might be a solution. They have a nice reverse lockout and it will tighten up the throw. There are several to choose from. I had one like this in my 71 bus for years and liked it. There is a cheapo "quick shift" kit available but never tried one. As for your shifter some strategicly placed heat from a map gas torch, a sturdy vise and a can of gloss black will solve the bending the shifter problem.
Good Luck.

[bobloblaw]

We used to stock these, back in the day.
cip1.ca/acc-c10-3694/