442 Lightning Rods

[MadDrOlds]

Lots of discussion around this topic, but I haven’t seen a definitive statement: were Lightning Rod shifters offered as an option on the 1985 442?

Related question: on the 83-84 Hurst, was there a separate RPO code for the Lightning Rods?

Thanks, friends

 

[old80cs]

As far as I know they were only offered in the ‘83 - ‘84 H/O’s not in any of the 442’s of the 80’s. No idea on the RPO code.

A universal Lightning Rod set could have been bought back then as well for any application, long since discontinued by Hurst.

 

[69hurstolds]

No separate RPO code for the LR shifters. The "over the counter" Lightning Rods were a tad different than the factory 4 speed ones. The H/O rods were darn near even across, where the speed shop versions had taller center rod for sure.

1985 442 had only ONE shifter availability and it was the stock single stick with the side pushbutton like every other Cutlass with a TH200-4R shifter in the RPO D55 console with AR9 front reclining buckets.

There were plenty of RPOS pointing to a specialty car, like trim deletes and VD6 and VD7 for painted bumpers and such, but the BIG RPO that made everything happen was the W40. It's also embossed on the body cowl tag.

Here's the SPID from my 85 442. Has every option available with the exception of the monitor lamps and block heater. Well, and the power moonroof since I opted for the T-tops.

And here's my 84 H/O SPID repro prototype. It's not totally loaded, but you won't see Lightning Rods RPOs on it or anything.

 

[john87442]

Just a follow up question if someone was to get a set of LR shifter and want to put it in a say 1987 442 with the stock trans, what else would said individual need to complete such a task? I believe there was a bracket and different shift cable?

 

[OldsDad]

In a month I will have mine done. I am installing Lightning rods from a 83 Hurst in my 86 442. I don't know exactly what I will need until I get started. You can do a search and buy some of the Obvious Stuff.

 

[69hurstolds]

You'll need to tear up your console center section to fit them in.

If you do a swap, it's not cheap if you use all genuine GM/Hurst parts.

 

[john87442]

Well at this point I’m in for a penny in for a pound!! Definitely would like to use all oem stuff if I could. I’m installing a new floor pan so does the hurst shift plate mount to the same as the 442 or is that different also? I do see OPGI has the shift plate and gaskets and I can mock it up with my old counsel. Craft custom in Texas does a decent job with Sheffield grey reconditioning along with the steering wheels. I just need to source the bracket and cable I believe.

 

[69hurstolds]

IIRC, as it's been 100 years since I had the LR's out, the hold down and support plates bolt to the same location bosses as the GM shifter did. I'd double check that, but I believe they're the same. So if you don't have the original mount tabs on the hump, you'll need to re-attach them.

 

[john87442]

Thanks for that 69hurstolds. you always have great information and detail. I was trying to do some more digging last night, found several needed items like the brackets and plates, gaskets but need to research the shift cable and if the linkage is the same. Lots to look up.

 

[69hurstolds]

Shift cable for the LRs is the late 70s, early 80s Corvette cable. It is different than any of the other cables GM has for the TH200-4R.

GM p/n 357746.

PSA- Save your $$ if buying a new Lightning Rods cable 3958079 (357746)

In the name of Public Service- The Lightning Rods used in the 83/84 H/O came with cable 357746. This was a cable originally used in the 77-81 Corvette. They also used a very similar cable in the 68-76 Corvette with p/n 3958079. The factory original cable had 2 ears on the hole gasket retainer...

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