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Hurst Pistol Grip for '15+ automatics: install notes

7K views 57 replies 15 participants last post by  Granite Ghost 
#1 ·
My amazing wife bought me the Hurst pistol grip shifter for my birthday yesterday. It's a relatively straight forward install. But the directions are a bit lacking in some areas- some of which is because they are using a Charger for the install pictures, some of which is because there are things they don't point out. Figured I could save someone time and effort by giving you all some pointers. Not showing a full install, just pointing out things from their instructions that can guide you a bit better

here's the link to their instructions: http://files.dpbrands.com/hurst/instructions/5380437.pdf

OK first step:
Text Product Hand Arm Font

The above does not work for 2015+ Challenger. Our bezel is not the same shape as that one, we have a more rounded shape, plus we have a shiny black outer band around it. It is virtually impossible to get any tool into the upper portion (as pictured). I do have a set of plastic trim tools (thank you Harbor Freight). After much fighting with trying to get the bezel up (being super cautious not to break or scratch anything) I finally found that the only way (at least for me) was to lift in the center "straight" section of the rearward portion (completely opposite side from the picture). Use one tool to lift the center up enough to where you can then get a second tool under the bezel to start prying upward. You'll start hearing the clips "pop" out (it sounds like you just broke the bezel, so don't have a heart attack LOL). Now just start working your way around BOTH sides simultaneously- I tried doing it one side at a time, and the result was the opposite side would pop back into place, leading to more frustration. So just work both sides, and then pop off the front, done. Trying to figure this thing out cost me 20+ minutes, and can be done in just a few minutes.

Side note: the shiny black plastic band is actually outside the bezel, so you have to pry from the inside of that band, and don't pry on the band. The bezel comes out, and the shiny black band stays behind.


Next up

Vehicle door Product Vehicle Tire Automotive tire

Seems simple enough... Wrong! The connector has a locking tab on the side facing away from you. You can not see it at all. I had to lay on the drivers side floor, look up with a flashlight, and see exactly what sort of locking tab it was and release it. Some of you might be electrical connector guru's and be able to just tell by feel how to release it, I'm not that guru.

Next up

Vehicle door Car seat Vehicle Auto part Seat belt


Detach the shift handle wire harness from the mount- OK, you see that piece of black plastic on the left side, the white connector is tucked neatly inside there between 2 tabs that are apparently made to resist all types of tampering! I didn't want to break anything, but damn that thing truly tried my patience! Ultimately it took a flathead screwdriver to pry them apart far enough for the connector to slide out- and I didn't break them! Mission accomplished! Slipping it thru the loop- that part is nothing.

Next up

Product Text Leather Auto part Technology

OK, this was absolutely the most frustrating part of the entire install. Did I mention I was trying to not break anything? Yeah? Well... This one ended up broken! I literally had 4 hands (me and my wife) trying to figure out how the hell you're supposed to pry outward on tabs that are opposite sides of each other, while simultaneously having a solid grip on the entire assembly (so that the prying didn't send it flying out of my hands) while also trying to pull the shift head out of the collar. Ummmm Yeah, we fought and fought and then suddenly OOPS, one of the tabs broke. :-( And even with one broken off, it still wouldn't come off. At this point I'm like "OK, point of no return now" and broke the other one off. Oh well, this collar is not needed at all with the new shifter. So save your time (and your sanity) and just break the tabs off right from the start.

next up

Helmet Technology Auto part


OK notice that the above image is 2 steps. I was immediately suspicious of this. To me it made more sense to install the set screw BEFORE putting the boot on- I just figured the leather would get in the way and make it harder to put that little set screw in place. So yeah, I went with my gut on this one, and my gut was correct. Put some Blue Locktite on that set screw, put it partially in, and THEN put the boot & zip tie on. I'm sure doing it in the order they specify will lead you to either losing the set screw, or losing your mind, or both.

Finished

Vehicle Car Center console Family car


It took an hour +/- to install. But knowing what I know now (and you know now) I'm sure it could be done in under 30 minutes. Hopefully this helps someone in the future.
 
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#2 ·
Great white-up! Moving it to the Knowledgebase section.
 
#4 ·
Nice write up. Thanks!
 
#8 ·
#16 ·
Yes. This pistol grip simply replaces the stock shifter handle. It changes nothing about the function of any other features. I have paddle shifters on mine, and switch back and forth between the paddles and the shift handle all the time. :)
 
#17 ·
Very nice post on the instillation! I added the Hurst shifter to mine as well, on the 14 you get a new base plate that is pretty cool...
 
#19 ·
Our temps regularly reach 100f in the summer too. I will be very interested in your idea. If you do it, please come back and report your results.
OK, after barely tolerating the hot metal shift handle all spring, temps here have been around 110 all week, and I'd had enough. The solution was much simpler than I first thought. I simply bought some black first aid wrap, the kind that clings to itself, like they use when you have blood testing, give blood, etc. It's very stretchy, clings to itself, and has no sticky adhesive to get on things. I wrapped it around the entire handle, leaving the trigger uncovered. Once the entire handle was covered, I started squeezing all around it. The tape bonds with itself so well that it molds together tightly around the shape of the handle, and ends up appearing to be like a neoprene cover rather than tape. You can barely see any seams. I've only had it on for today, but after several miles using manual shifting, it seems to hold up quite well. It's not only WAY cooler to touch, but it's nice and grippy too, even with sweaty hands... unlike the solid metal handles. This is definitely my go to solution for summer. If it starts to bunch up or get funky looking, it's an easy fix to just snip it off and do it again. Best part... store brand tape at WalMart was about 4 bucks, for enough to cover it MANY times, as well as any booboos I get while working on the car... lol. I think it actually looks pretty decent too, all things considered. That was a big consideration in waiting so long to come up with something... I didn't want it to look goofy.
Hand Auto part Finger Trunk Automotive exterior
Gear shift Vehicle Car Center console Auto part
Auto part Vehicle Car Automotive exterior Silver
 
#21 ·
OK, after barely tolerating the hot metal shift handle all spring, temps here have been around 110 all week, and I'd had enough. The solution was much simpler than I first thought. I simply bought some black first aid wrap, the kind that clings to itself, like they use when you have blood testing, give blood, etc. It's very stretchy, clings to itself, and has no sticky adhesive to get on things. I wrapped it around the entire handle, leaving the trigger uncovered. Once the entire handle was covered, I started squeezing all around it. The tape bonds with itself so well that it molds together tightly around the shape of the handle, and ends up appearing to be like a neoprene cover rather than tape. You can barely see any seams. I've only had it on for today, but after several miles using manual shifting, it seems to hold up quite well. It's not only WAY cooler to touch, but it's nice and grippy too, even with sweaty hands... unlike the solid metal handles. This is definitely my go to solution for summer. If it starts to bunch up or get funky looking, it's an easy fix to just snip it off and do it again. Best part... store brand tape at WalMart was about 4 bucks, for enough to cover it MANY times, as well as any booboos I get while working on the car... lol. I think it actually looks pretty decent too, all things considered. That was a big consideration in waiting so long to come up with something... I didn't want it to look goofy. View attachment 102870 View attachment 102871 View attachment 102872
Way to think out of the box! Great idea! We've been approaching the triple digit mark the past couple weeks (supposed to hit triple digits this weekend). Unfortunately (or may fortunately) it has also had a high chance of rain every day recently, so I've been driving the Jeep. So I haven't had to deal with the scorching hot shifter LOL. I'm going to remember your post, and probably do it.
 
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#22 ·
no real issues. The only "issue" is this thing gets super hot if left in the sun. Since my office does not have covered parking and there is no place to park without getting it in the sun, I keep a microfiber towel in the car, and cover the shifter while I'm at work. Otherwise it's like touching a stovetop after sitting out there all day. Learned that the hard way the first day LOL
Yup, I've noticed the same problem. We've only been into the 80's so far and our average summer temps are around 100. I have a Dodge baseball cap I toss over mine for now, but I've been thinking about masking the trigger mechanism and spraying the whole "grip" area with PlastiDip. I have some that's almost an exact match for my car paint, so it'd be a nice touch too, and if I end up not liking it it will peel right off. If I get around to doing that, I'll definitely post pics. I also have some scrap leather, and thought about maybe making a leather sleeve to slide over it when not driving. Just seems a little weird to have to have a condom for my shifter though. lol

First we would like to say great write up on the installation of the Pistol Grip Shifter for the Challenger. We also found the medical tape solution to be quite ingenious. Another option for keeping the handle cool when temperatures start rising is our replacement Rosewood Pistol-grip Side Plates. Not only do the Rosewood Side Plates stay cooler in hot climates, but they also add a nice touch to the interior. You can always give us a call at 707-544-4761 if you have any questions or if you are interested in a set yourself. Just be sure to mention you were referred from the forumz.
 
#23 · (Edited)
First we would like to say great write up on the installation of the Pistol Grip Shifter for the Challenger. We also found the medical tape solution to be quite ingenious. Another option for keeping the handle cool when temperatures start rising is our replacement Rosewood Pistol-grip Side Plates. Not only do the Rosewood Side Plates stay cooler in hot climates, but they also add a nice touch to the interior. You can always give us a call at 707-544-4761 if you have any questions or if you are interested in a set yourself. Just be sure to mention you were referred from the forumz.
Thanks. I was aware of the rosewood grips, just don't care for the look. Also, the rosewood grips still don't cover the back strap or front strap areas, which also get hot, so it wouldn't be worth the aesthetic compromise or considerable expense for me.
 
#28 ·
Very easy. Even being slow and careful, it can be done in about an hour. Go to page one of this thread. He's done a great job filling in a few of the blanks/differences in the factory instructions. The factory instructions show a Charger installation, with noted comments when there is a slight difference for Challengers. The member who started this thread has expanded on those comments, and included some things to watch out for during installation. You'll LOVE this thing. ;)
 
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#29 · (Edited)
As we stated in the other thread, we were initially unsure if we were going to be offering the dark wood side plates separately. However, we now have a tentative release date of September 1st. Stay tuned as we should have more information in the near future.

Outstanding! I'm assuming, based on the similarity in appearance, that these panels for the earlier shift handles will be interchangeable with the 2015+ automatic handles?
 
#31 ·
We have one as well and I absolutely love it. It works just like the factory one, able to manually shift. The only difference I noted with ours is that you have to press the lock out button on each downshift. The factory handle was not like that. We thought something was wrong with it and then I was playing around with it while at a traffic light and figured that out. We called Hurst and they said it was a safety feature they put on it, as I didn't like it at first and was no mention of it in the description.

No light and you can change back to the factory one I'd think with no issues.
 
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#32 ·
We have one as well and I absolutely love it. It works just like the factory one, able to manually shift. The only difference I noted with ours is that you have to press the lock out button on each downshift. The factory handle was not like that. We thought something was wrong with it and then I was playing around with it while at a traffic light and figured that out. We called Hurst and they said it was a safety feature they put on it, as I didn't like it at first and was no mention of it in the description.

No light and you can change back to the factory one I'd think with no issues.
What about having to cut or tear off the collar from the shift boot, how would you put that back together if you wanted to go back to stock?
RonG
 
#33 ·
We were very careful with that and I kept the collar, so I'm thinking some type of glue would adhere it all back together just fine and no one would be the wiser.
 
#45 ·
...and just another thought. If it IS an official Hurst-designed safety feature, and we can all defeat it by simply pushing a little too hard on the lever, then it is a dangerous, faulty design, and worthy of being recalled. I seriously doubt that's the case. I think it's just a matter of trying to get imprecisely manufactured parts to fit precisely, that happens to work better for some of us than others. Still hoping for someone from Hurst to chime in here...................... :)
 
#47 ·
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#50 ·
Hi Granite Ghost,

We apologize for the delay in response. We were by no means intentionally disregarding your question. Thank you for directing us over to this thread.

To answer your question. No. You should not have to depress the trigger to shift when in sport mode. We apologize for any misinformation that you may have received and have brought our Tech team up to speed on this situation. If you are experiencing this issue, please contact our Customer Support line at (707) 544-4761 so that we can make sure that you are taken care of.

-Hurst Team
OK folks... After several weeks, and several thread "bumps", I finally got an official answer from Hurst regarding the "catchy" trigger when in Manual mode. As I suspected, you are NOT supposed to have to pull the trigger to shift up or down when in Manual mode, and there is NOT supposed to be any "catch" in Manual mode. It's very likely that the parts tolerances are sloppy enough that the trigger mechanism and the locking mechanism in the shifter aren't lining up properly . If yours will not shift without pulling the trigger, contact Hurst immediately at the number above. If, like many of us, yours simply catches slightly when trying to shift up or down, you can 1) contact Hurst. 2) Do like some of us have, and just push/force past the "catch" enough to wear down the misalignment until it doesn't happen any more. Beware though, I wouldn't even consider doing this unless the misalignment/catch is VERY minor, VERY slight. If you try to push past a very firm catch, you risk damaging the locking mechanism, which I fear could compromise your shifter's ability to stay in Park... so obviously do so at your own risk. Hurst will likely take care of any issues, so letting them do so is probably your best bet.

Whichever tech rep said that this was a safety feature was obviously talking out an orifice not intended for speech. Hurst assures me that their technical section has been updated in regards to this issue.

Hopefully this addresses everyone's concerns. Thanks for stayin' tuned. ;)
 
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#52 ·
Wow. Well it was the rep and a higher up who gave me the info about it being a safety feature for manually shifting. Anywho. I love my Barton. Glad you finally got an answer from them.
 
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#53 ·
A Barton is very likely in my near future. Love the look, and the operation. ;)
 
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#57 ·
Unfortunately, we aren't always able to catch all of the messages posted on the forum. However, after we saw your thread last week, we've been doing our best to stay on top of this discussion. The best way to make sure that we are able to get back to you as quickly as possible on the forum is via PM.

We understand your frustration, but have not received any complaints of these units fitting poorly or of it being unnecessary to pull the trigger to shift out of the park position. As we mentioned earlier in the thread, it’s not possible for the shifter to allow a shift out of park without depressing the trigger. There is a rod at the top of the shift stick that is spring loaded into the locked position. The trigger has to be pulled to push the rod down to release it. The clicking in manual shift mode is completely unrelated to this function. Hopefully, this information will calm those concerns.

Hurst Billet/Plus Automatic Shift Handles are solid, quality pieces and we stand behind them. That is why we have responded with follow-up information on the forum and why we back these units with our Lifetime Limited Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. If anyone feels that there is an issue with the handle that they received, we ask that you please contact our Customer Support team at (707) 544-4761 so that we can make sure that you are taken care of.
 
#58 ·
Unfortunately, we aren't always able to catch all of the messages posted on the forum. However, after we saw your thread last week, we've been doing our best to stay on top of this discussion. The best way to make sure that we are able to get back to you as quickly as possible on the forum is via PM.

We understand your frustration, but have not received any complaints of these units fitting poorly or of it being unnecessary to pull the trigger to shift out of the park position. As we mentioned earlier in the thread, it’s not possible for the shifter to allow a shift out of park without depressing the trigger. There is a rod at the top of the shift stick that is spring loaded into the locked position. The trigger has to be pulled to push the rod down to release it. The clicking in manual shift mode is completely unrelated to this function. Hopefully, this information will calm those concerns.

Hurst Billet/Plus Automatic Shift Handles are solid, quality pieces and we stand behind them. That is why we have responded with follow-up information on the forum and why we back these units with our Lifetime Limited Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. If anyone feels that there is an issue with the handle that they received, we ask that you please contact our Customer Support team at (707) 544-4761 so that we can make sure that you are taken care of.

Thank you. That is an answer that actually addresses the issue. Part of the reason you haven't received any reports, as is obvious from this thread, is because most people just push past it and it seems to work out ok. But, there has been at least one person who had to fully pull the trigger to shift even in Manual mode. If pushing past this blockage ends up breaking something, thus freeing it to shift, it would appear then that it is breaking/rounding off the end of the locking rod maybe? Short of dismantling my shifter and handle to see, my worry was that it was damaging the actual locking mechanism on the shifter as well, thus the concerns.

By the way, in my post about the response I finally received, I actually DID recommend that people contact you, as the best alternative. I only mentioned the POSSIBLE danger of damaging something in the shifter as a warning for those who instead chose to "push past" the blockage and ignore potential damage. Thank you for clarifying the design details, which helped clarify the situation for all of us.
 
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