Vette(s): Red 1973 Convertible.
L-48 Auto
#'s matching
Red 1970 LT-1
Convertible
#'s matching
Joined: 6/25/2007
Posts: 692
Went for a somewhat short drive in the LT-1 and what shortened up the drive was when it wouldnt shift out of 4th gear. Nada, nothing. I did kind of think it was having a hard time getting into 1st when I stopped the last time I drove it but didnt think much of it as it always got there, just not as easy as normal.
I did get it into reverse to get the key out but reverse dont go nowhere, kind of like its stuck in both gears. Hard part is it is in the garage facing forward.
Any ideas? I have a good friend who is quite a mechanic who said he will look at it but sometime any info I can gain before hand helps a bunch also.
Luckily I was only a few miles from home and luckily it will start in 4th from a standing stop.
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 19494
The shifter has worn to a point that won't allow the linkages to move properly. You can prolly get underneath the car and move the linkage by hand to get it out of 4th, but chances are, it will do it again eventually. It may work fine after manually moving the linkage on the trans like that, IF you drive nicely, and not try to shift too quickly. I'd crawl under there and get the trans linkage moved back to neutral, and see how it works. Be SURE to block the tires so it won't roll on ya first, tho.
____________________________________ Joel Adams C3VR Lifetime Member #56 My Link
Vette(s): 70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe
Joined: 5/24/2007
Posts: 1031
A simple first step is just to adjust the shifter. With a bit of wear throughout the linkage, there could be enough room to slip out of the slot inside the shifter. If that doesn't do it, you might as well just buy a replacement shifter. By the time you buy all the wear parts, and pay someone to install them, you will have more than paid for a new one.
I am sure Joel is right that the problem is the shifter and not the transmission. And the reason it feels like it is in two gears is because it is in reverse and fourth. You can crawl underneath and move the front lever on the transmission to get it out of fourth. If you can drive it to the shop in just first and second, there is less chance of another problem.
Larry
____________________________________
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Vette(s): Red 1973 Convertible.
L-48 Auto
#'s matching
Red 1970 LT-1
Convertible
#'s matching
Joined: 6/25/2007
Posts: 692
Thanks again for all the help. My buddy who is a excellent mechanic, drove out while I wasnt even there, jacked the car up and found a nut had backed off the linkage. Tightened all that up but wants the car over to his garage to get it on a lift so he can tighten the top bolts on the side plate.
I guess I wont need a frame off resto yet!
I do really appreciate all the help I get here.
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It may work fine after manually moving the linkage on the trans like that, IF you drive nicely, and not try to shift too quickly.
