I have had a correct 5335 shifter handle lying around for ten years. Sending it out to be rechromed shortly. Currently my 69 has an incorrect handle that bolts in to the shifter assembly. I am told it is from a firebird of unknown vintage. So to make this correct, do I need a correct replacement shifter assembly with rods and all, or are the rods most likely okay? (I have no idea whatsoever regarding any of this.) I would post pics but my car is elsewhere and about impossible to access. Tempted by gsfred's cobbled together shifter unit if my rods will swap over.
3/8 " they will probably work but the shifter will have to have the one that pushes in and a thin piece of metal holds the 5335
Unless you are going for a concourse restoration, I would find a way to attach your stock appearing handle to a Hurst competition plus shifter and linkage.
Drilling holes in a factory 5335 handle is not an option. Especially after the OP pays $250 to rechrome it ($125 for the re-chrome and another $125 to re-engrave it) The issue is that the OP has an aftermarket/ over the counter Hurst shifter that uses a bolt on handle. The 5335 handle is a push in style that uses clips. So there or a couple of options here- You can swap out the handle receiver in the aftermarket shifter for a push in style from Hurst shifters online. But that gets involved and requires a some experience reinstalling the reverse detent spring. Or you can get a new complete factory Buick shifter mechanism for your GS for $349 and maybe re-use the aftermarket rods.
It aint a concourse restoration, but I hate incorrect just on principal. Well, except for my Motor Wheel Spyders. I just love those things.
I would be happy to convert your shifter to the push in style if you like. But your probably looking at about $100 in parts plus shipping to me and back. Your basically looking at a handle receiver, isolators and two springs (reverse detent and main spring). Duane sent me pics of his shifter. To me, it looks like an aftermarket shifter that someone welded a 5335 handle to.
What years had what 4-speed shifters? By that I mean, does the shifter body (not the rods or handle) interchange across the years? I want a 69 shifter body but do not know what other years to accept.
I wrote this up a while back. Might help- http://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/factory-hurst-shifter-differences.330410/#post-2781699
