After I traded, my Dad's 55, for the 57, I didn't want, to put up with that crap anymore.
So I went, to our local Speed Shop, (Pfeiffer's) and purchased a Foxcraft Shifter Kit.
It was Awesome.
Large Black knob, w/ the H pattern. Drove the car, half up on the sidewalk laid a couple blankets down. (It was winter)Compared the shifting rods, to the originals and disconnected everything. For some reason, that I can't remember now, I had to use the new levers for the tranny.
I put the two levers on, dented the floor, with a hammer, and drilled a hole just large enough for the shifter, to stick through the floor. After I installed the rods and Mr. Kotter pins. I picked everything up, and then cut the hole in the floor. The shift lever was pretty cheap, and only had a 3/4" nut and lock washer holding it, wherever you positioned it. Obviously, not a lot of thought, went into that.
Anyhow, when I got all done, it was time for a ride.
Started the car, and shifted into reverse and the car went forward, and stalled.
Shifted into 1st, and it backed up.
I had to remove, the two shifting levers, and turn them around, before everything worked correctly. I also remember filing metal off, so the levers would stay tight. This is the price you pay, when you don't have the money, to buy a Hurst.
I must say, after playing around for awhile, it did shift pretty good.
Just couldn't, get that Nut tight enough, on the shifter Handle. Everytime, I banged 2nd gear, I punched the dashboard with my right hand.
After thinking back, it was still Fun.