The pin that holds the shift lever to the shifter mechanism is stuck (probably rusted) in the shift lever.  If this was out in the open, I could heat it with a torch and no doubt get it out that way, but not while it is surrounded by car!

2 questions:  1) anyone had this issue, and how did you resolve it?  I am attempting to use penetrating oil but I'm not sure it will ever get to the inside of where the pin is stuck.

2)  can the engine/transmission be removed with the shift lever in place?

Thanks for any help.  This site has been fantastic with issues like this.

Vman73 said: Bill, not sure which pin you are referring to but yes the engine/trans can be removed without removing the shifter. Disconnect the three shifter rods from the transmission and it should be free of the shifter. Once the trans is out of the way, the shifter is mounted to a bracket that bolts to the crossmember. Remove the bolts that hold the bracket and you should be able to remove the shifter in its entirety to gain access to you stuck pin. Just remember to put the shifter and bracket back in before the trans. It can be done the other way, but it’s much harder. Hope this helps you out, good luck !!

The pin is at the bottom of the shift lever (the one you actually shift with) under the bottom boot.  It holds the bottom of the shift lever to the shift bracket.

John, I was able to remove my shifter and rods without removing the tranny.  I removed the exhaust pipe hanger and tranny mount.  Then I jacked up the tranny a litte, disconnected the rods from the tranny and was able to twist and turn the shifter and got it out with out removing the pin you describe.  You have to be able to get the two bolts that hold the shifter to it's mount.

So you should be able to get the tranny out without the shifter.  Just don't let it fall on your head as the tranny comes out!

F4Gary said:

Vman73 said: Bill, yes I was referring to a four speed. Unlike other cars and even earlier Corvettes, the shifter is mounted to the bracket on the cross member not the transmission. The only connection from the shifter to the trans are the three shift rods I referred to earlier. Trans can (and should) be removed with the shifter in place. Shifter assembly comes out separately with the bracket.

Once everything is out, I was expecting to be able to test the shifter while mounted to the transmission (it is catching on something going into 2nd gear), it sounds like this may not be possible though.