Short shift

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Short shift

Postby Geordie » Tue 04.07.2023, 11:46

Hi all

Been reading some of the threads about short shift mod,,several different ones mentioned,,what’s the best around today and where do I purchase,,again starting to collect parts for winter evenings
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Geordie
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Re: Short shift

Postby dapinky » Tue 04.07.2023, 12:03

Although there are different systems in use, there is only one current seller of the short-shift....... and that's John in USA... M100-NC on here.

Whichever one you see talked about, they are all different iterations of the same item designed by Dave H many years ago, but the design has been 'passed on' through time.

The difference is in the cables used - again, with the benefit of history, it has been found that the cables used in the SE have a weakness in the adjustment mechanism (they're plastic fittings) and may be more likely to break with the added stress of the leverage changes in a short-shift.....

.... the S2 cables are different, and less likely to suffer, whilst the 'first-generation' of aftermarket cables (AB Cables) are generally fine, but haven't been available for many years.

To address the issue, John has cables made to his own specifications, designed to work seamlessly with the connections on the short-shift. Being made from Stainless steel, they will last forever, and with low-friction joints, will work smoother.

It's up to you what you feel that you want/need to buy - I'm happy with my original SE cables, and they haven't broken yet (I do have a set of S2 spares for when/if they do!), I have never heard a bad review of Johns cables and/or short-shift, and they may not be available forever, so if you decide to keep your current cables for now, and upgrade them later, there is no guarantee that they will still be available to buy.
Dave

Just the one now, but this one's mine! - and it will be finished eventually..... - but also temporary custodian of a project until it is finished enough for Angie to drive it


...oh, and a 2006 Freelander destined for the jungles of The Gambia - 4500 miles across roads, desert and tracks - what could possibly go wrong?
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Re: Short shift

Postby Denny » Wed 05.07.2023, 13:26

I've just had John in USA... M100-NC cables / short shift fitted and they have transformed the car.
The shirt shift is also adjustable to suit your preference.
Green 1990 SE 89,000 miles - Sold 2014
Red 1990 SE 28,000 miles - Bought 2020. I should drive this more often!
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Re: Short shift

Postby Geordie » Wed 05.07.2023, 20:11

Hi
I really fancy fitting a set ,but cost is a bit high,might have to find someone with them fitted to see how much better they are?
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Re: Short shift

Postby Tuga2112 » Wed 05.07.2023, 20:46

Geordie wrote:Hi
I really fancy fitting a set ,but cost is a bit high,might have to find someone with them fitted to see how much better they are?


how long do you want to keep the car ?

does the current shift feel wrong enough to justify the cost ?

i bought 2 sets because of the possibility of not being able to get them in future. they are very pricey and from experience in the NA im not even sure i want to fit them. but you will find that i am the only person who dislikes the change. and there is a good possibility that there is something else wrong with that car
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Re: Short shift

Postby Rambo » Wed 05.07.2023, 20:51

dapinky wrote:Although there are different systems in use, there is only one current seller of the short-shift....... and that's John in USA


He's not the only one :wink:

I have an original and unfitted Dave Hall (Dee Aitch) short shift mechanism. They are like gold dust now but if anyone is looking for one, please contact me.

Please note, this is for the short shift mechanism only. No cables are included.
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Re: Short shift

Postby dapinky » Wed 05.07.2023, 23:20

Mark,

I do seem to remember a conversation of many moons ago about it all...... and you and I agreed that there was a lot of 'hype' around the whole thing (except we probably called it something beginning with bull).

I fitted a short-shift to my car just after I got it (also a DH special!), and soon got used to it. However, at the time I also had the red one, without a short-shift, and preferred the gearchange on that one.

Consequently, I wont be fitting one to my current project, so I have no need to buy yours!!!!

However - it is fair to say that the majority of those who have fitted one (especially with the uprated cables) love it.
Dave

Just the one now, but this one's mine! - and it will be finished eventually..... - but also temporary custodian of a project until it is finished enough for Angie to drive it


...oh, and a 2006 Freelander destined for the jungles of The Gambia - 4500 miles across roads, desert and tracks - what could possibly go wrong?
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Re: Short shift

Postby MPx » Thu 06.07.2023, 11:34

Interesting views. I bought a short shift kit some years ago when doing other upgrades. I've never had a problem with the original change - indeed when I first drove Martin Colvill's silver demonstrator back when they were first released, I was most impressed with how easy the car was to drive "enthusiastically" - when usually it takes me some time to dial in to a new car - not least because the clutch/gearshift was so good. Upshot is, I've never bothered to fit the short shift kit so its still in the barn somewhere. But I've never driven a short shift kitted car, so I also don't know what I'm missing!
Mike - MPx
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but no longer Carlton no 808 nor Sunbeam S1 :(
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Re: Short shift

Postby Rusty Wishbone » Thu 06.07.2023, 23:59

Best option is to cut an inch or 2 off the gear lever and re-thread the top end of it.
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Re: Short shift

Postby Denny » Fri 07.07.2023, 08:03

Rusty Wishbone wrote:Best option is to cut an inch or 2 off the gear lever and re-thread the top end of it.


The gear lever will be too far away from the steering wheel. Colin C won't be happy !
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Re: Short shift

Postby robinlarry » Tue 11.07.2023, 04:08

I installed John's kit this year. I highly recommend it. Well worth the cost.
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Re: Short shift

Postby NickH » Fri 14.07.2023, 16:21

Hi
Im looking at a car here in california - the gearchange is a bit like stirring porridge - any suggestions on a supplier for a short shift kit?
thanks
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