shifter gate question

[Diesel10r]

So I picked up this 42' which has a mix of parts. Tanks 47' style but my trans first is forward. Cant seem to find a gate for that style tank with first forward? Anyone know of one.
Thanks

[RUBONE]

The shift pattern was reversed between 1946 and 1947. The shift drum in the transmission determines which it is. I am not aware of any gate made in a reversed pattern for '47 up tanks although out there in aftermarket world it may exist. Generally the drum is switched.

[1950Panhead]

36 to 46 1st is forward
47 to 65 4th is forward
If you have 47 tank and 47 gate you need a 47 tranny drum.

[Pascal]

The '47-up tanks have a notch/ niche where the gate lays in, whereas the former tanks have not...the gate lays flat on the tanks.
As mentioned; if you put an "up-to-'47" gate (1st forwards) on a '47-up tank, you'll need to check if the selectordrum in the gearbox is right for that gate..
Look at the pics;

First pic; selectordrums..on the left a '42 and on the right a '47-up; the grooves are mirrored...you see?
Second pic; the notch inside the '47-up tanks
Third pic; the "up-to-'47" (here a 1945 42WLA) tanks don't have that notch..the gate lays flat on the tanks

[Diesel10r]

what do I look for to date the trans? if its an earlier trans I like to keep it that way, but I do need to play with the clutch so is a drum an easy swap? I swore I seen a blank gate somewhere, could just engrave it. Just try to replace whats there, has reverse and some screw so you do go to far forward? some people!!

[Pascal]

You have several options;

As said by yourself; buy a blank or repop '47-up gate and stamp it the right way.
Make sure the grooves have the right length, looking at this repop gate it seems the groove towards third is longer than the groove towards first..
So you need to grind and weld it..

https://www.ebay.com/itm/223483292166?h ... Sw9dBctKWb

Second option; cut and reweld the tanks, so an 'up-to-'47 gate fits right...helloffajob...buy the right tank..

Third option; exchange the drum in the gearbox for a '47-up.
The gearchange will reverse, but you won't have to change anything else.

If you still want firts gear to be forward...option one or two is the one to do

[1950Panhead]

34012-47 - https://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?hsp ... 2-47&rdr=1
Ebay (sometimes) - https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R ... m&_sacat=0

[Diesel10r]

tanks have the speedball type emblems , so Im guessing at 47. its titled a 42, but like i said shes pieced together. then I ordered a 42 gate and relized the difference. ive Only had it for a week. trying to figure her all out while I wait for plates

Ill see how it is after I adjust the clutch, and Ill watch for a drum or cheap tanks. Thanks
\

[Pascal]

This is a nice gate; sandblast it, weld or braze the numbers shut and restamp it.
Paint it (black) and you're done.

[Diesel10r]

cool, thanks. Im leaning this way or a drum which seems pretty straight forward. I just like the emblem better than the older one

[RUBONE]

cool, thanks. Im leaning this way or a drum which seems pretty straight forward. I just like the emblem better than the older one

Changing the drum is the best option. Screwing around with modifying parts is a waste of time and effort. JMHO

[Diesel10r]

besides the drum and a cover gasket, is there any other parts involved in the drum replacment?

[RUBONE]

besides the drum and a cover gasket, is there any other parts involved in the drum replacment?

It may involve having to re-center the shift forks, however it is usually doable with the existing shims. Otherwise the seal ring for the shifter shaft and if it is removed a leather washer for the shift lever to case.