A question? Floor mounted /dash mounted gear changes

[Jimmy Cooper]

I have only driven with the through dash type, dare I say, standard gear change mechanism. I love the uncluttered floor space where my 6' 2" frame can have room/leg space. Having driven a Caterham Se7en for fourteen years it was a revelation.
But, I know some must love the more conventional (well for most normal cars) gear change on the floor.

So, advantages and disadvantages please. The latter for me might be the lack of totally uncluttered floor space as I said. But tell me more please.

PS What's the change pattern too as it must vary from the to- left & rearward for first etc position of the dash set-up;.......... yes?

[Geoff Ryall-Harvey]

No advantages for a floor mounted change - some people think it is easier to use. I really wouldn't bother making the change.

[2cY]

If I recall correctly ; floor change orientation is a mirror of the umbrella selection in the fore and aft, but is no difference in the left and right operation. Inside the floor change box, the vertical lever has about 3/4 of the way down what appears to be a large but simple ball. The box itself houses top and bottom nylon (or similar) cups, which allow this ball and the rod which passes through it to articulate around the ball joint 3d axis. So, pull the top of the lever back, and the bottom of that same lever kicks forward, and via a connecting rod forward the action is transmitted to push the gearbox's selector forward. Simple..

For those who want a more traditional style (Morgan or other vintage marque) to their car's interior then the floor change offers that - vs - the obviously 'French donor car' look of a dashboard change.

Forward of the floor's box is only a cranked operating rod with fork ends. And so once in the driver's seat there's not a lot of interference to foot or even knee room / width space. If I recall the operation might have felt 'tighter' than the dash change, because with this adaption each connection was nylon bushed, which can easily have any slack shimmed out.

The floor mounted change from the Ami Super is very narrow (perhaps just 3" to 3-1/2"), and although not very attractive is easily boxed in or re-trimmed. However, I should think that it's rather rare to find this assembly nowadays. Parts might still be found though. As described ; it would be quite simple to make one for ones-self (perhaps adapted from another car like the Triumph Spitfire which has a gearchange linkage to bring the gear-lever closer to hand).

[Jimmy Cooper]

Interesting. Thanks. I have often wondered if with the unusual through dash layout (well for me anyway) it makes it easier to remember that the usual up & left for first is REVERSE on our vehicles.
Can still catch me out though occasionally....................... as does riding my Japanese 1000cc sports bike then riding my Royal Enfield 500cc (gear change/brake side reversed) or the classic Lambretta scooters with twist gear changes!!!!!!

[Peter Brooks]

Been meaning to add aline to this for ages.
I did change my gearchange from standard Citroen to floor mounted and I personally find it much more pleasent to drive no more bruised knuckles on the dasboard.
However, as many more eminent members of the forum have stated it really is nothing more than a matter of persoanl choice

[Jimmy Cooper]

Bruised knuckles? I fitted a pool ball gear change knob like this:-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pool-Ball-Gea ... 1rd5qm_Bjg

I have a number 7 ball as a throw back reminder to my Caterham 7 days and it happens to be a sort of maroon colour which exactly matches the car colour!
Apart from remembering the reverse position is in "first" etc I have no issue with bruised/hit knuckles!!!