www.ColoradoClassicBroncos.com

So, I've been an EB owner for a little more than 24 hours and have discovered several things that need fixing. The biggest issue currently is that most of the shift lever on the NP435 came off in my hand as I was driving into my garage this evening. Turns out the PO had welded it at the first bend out of the transmission and the weld broke. I don't have the ability to weld it at home. Anyone have a welding shop they can recommend that will fix this thing, or are willing to do a good job on it for or a bit of cash? Also, is there anyone out there that would be willing to help/teach me to figure out some electrical gremlins (non-functional brake lights and blinkers top the list)? I'm OK with mechanical stuff, but still learning electrical. Again, I'm happy to pay or trade labor for help. Thanks!

Don't weld it. Replace it. Have a salvage yard near by? Will take you about 10 minutes, tops, to pull your new shifter and cost you about 20 bucks.

I'd thought about that, as I like that way lots better, but I don't have access to the torch to get the shifter hot enough to bend it (unless MAP gas will do it-used an acetyline torch when I put the one into my '73 a decade or more ago).

Pretty sure we have a couple torches amongst us. Plus much nicer to have a solid stick versus one that has been repaired. Would hate to see that shifter come off in your hand again while going down the road, or even trail.

You could always go with a Gear Banger if you plan to stay NP435 for long.

I always wanted to fab up a tee ball bat shifter with quick disconnect so in a pinch I'd have a handy blunt object.

I'm now thinking new solid shifter as well. After getting the stub out of the transmission a few minutes ago it looks like there are other welds on it just above where it enters the transmission. Given the current circumstances, I'm not inclined to trust them. What I'm trying to figure out is why someone would weld this thing when it clearly looks like it has been heated and bent. Guess this is my indoctrination into the zen world of giving in to whatever weirdness was done by the POs. Thought about the gear banger, but I really like shifting the original shifter. Anyway, anyone out there have a torch and willing to help be bend up a new (old) shifter?

I know what you mean on shifting. Had I kept the '69, I wanted to do a ZF swap in to it. I may stay manual with the '72, I haven't decided yet. But, the 3 speed just doesn't cut it for me. And I do love rowing gears. It's been a long time since I've gotten to do it regularly (1997 in my '89 Mustang GT).

I wonder if the installer heated it up too much to bend it and it ended up breaking on him..............so he welded it ?

Regardless, I would run from that shifter as fast as possible.

Justin, where are you located, if your close I've got a torch.

I'm in Frederick, but would cheerfully drive to Parker. I figure patterning it off the old shifter should get it close enough. Thanks for the offer!

If you can't find one closer come on down, I'm in the mountains Wed-Fri, but I'll be around this coming weekend, you can find my contact info in the members thread.

Justin - We are in greeley. I have a torch and a welder, let me know if you want to swing by. I may be able to help with some of the electrical (maybe), plus we wouldn't mind having at look at the rig you scored!

Justin - I have an extra shifter for the NP435 and will sell it for $20. I'm located at 104th and Tower road. I think my torch will get it hot enough to bend also...so we could give that a shot if you want at my garage.

Cortez's shifter wasn't going to fit (mine is apparently the shorter version of the NP435 lever), but found one down at AA this week. Now to bend it...