Early A833 4 speed linkage adjustment help

Bob Jasinski said
I've viewed the sticky video and the '65 FSM on adjusting the shift linkage rods. The video and the FSM only show the B body linkage (not the A which is different), but both require the use of a special tool to hold the Hurst shift levers at neutral. Later shifters use the alignment hole to insert a rod or screwdriver to hold them in neutral, and then the rods are adjusted in or out until they fit the neutral position shift levers on the trans. How do you hold the Hurst shifter levers in dead neutral on the early shifters without the special tool?

A lot of the OEM Hurst A-Body shifters do not have the Reverse lever drilled, up to 1971. There is a metal rectangle sticking down on the housing, front and rear that will also "index" the neutral position for the shifter. It will usually be within one turn of the neutral position in either case. In other words, check neutral position and be prepared to add or subtract a turn on the rod adjuster to hit the sweet spot.