Hey, this is a great tip!! However, most of us look at the neat aluminum spacer block and that's where the we hit a snag. If we don't have a machinist friend, how are we going to come up with a 1" spacer???????
Humm, it's a spacer.....why couldn't we use some material that we could substitute for the aluminum that would be tough, but a little easier to fabricate....like maybe 2 layers of 1/2" starboard? Starboard is a synthetic marine product that is easily worked with hand tools, and can be found as scrap around most marinas.
What about Veranda, or Trex (synthetic deck material)? Home Depot may hold just the right material to make this project a little more attractive.
One thing this great tip doesn't cover that is included on the pricey "store-bought" shifters, are the throw limiters. They keep an aggressive operator from bending the internal shift forks. For most of us it wouldn't be an issue, but I'm sure some "fabricators" could sandwich in another little plate that would cover this function.
I've just got a feeling that there are going to be a whole lot of "short-shifter" mods being made this weekend....with hand tools!!!!!!
Once again, Thanks to John and all the "Stovebolters" who take the time to share their terrific ideas, with PICTURES and DOCUMENTATION, with others! It's tips like this that make this site so GREAT!
