What are the visual differences in a tail shift transmission and a side shift?

Tailshifters....70-72 have the mechanism that shifts all the way at the back. Side shifters will have a big black plastic cover that shields the shift mechanism that is on the side of the trans.

You CAN convert a tail shifter if you have the external parts and shift lever with the correct rods....you alkso need to change the engine mount. The side shifter rod passes thru the mount.