Topic: Shift linkage problems...I think.
in Forum: C3 Driveline Components
Already a Member?
Click Here to Login
Not yet a Member?
Click Here to Register for Free!
So I go to our Wednesday night get together, and back in to a parking spot. Then when I went to put it in first gear to shut down, the shifter just went all the way forward to the edge of the console opening and no gear. Could move the shifter all the way around the console opening. No H pattern. Then when I pulled it all the way back on the left side, I got second gear, but the shift lever is all the way back against the console opening.
Was able to drive home in second gear.
Pushing forward on the lever gets nothing. No first, third or reverse.
I guess something came apart.
So, I know I can get to where the rods connect with the transmission from underneath, how much can I get to from the top?
Will jack it up tomorrow and start the investigation.
It's always something! 
Thoughts?
|UPDATED|7/11/2018 7:18:38 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)
Lifetime MemberEquinunk, PA - USA
Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 2465
Vette(s): 1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.
Well, I can tell you this, from experience. Getting to the shifter and removing it will be a REAL problem. Sounds to me like if it's never been out and is original, it'll have to come out. Corvette America supplied mine. Check where the rod ends bolt to the transmission to see if one is loose or came off. Also check to see if the clips on the rod ends are worn through and fell off. Hopefully you won't have to pull the mount out and shifter. 😡 🔨🔧 Won't be fun! Keep us updated.
OK, here is what I found. The bolt that goes thru the shifter and bolts it to the the mount is loose. Does it tighten in to a threaded piece, or does it have a nut on the end. Seems like it does not have a nut. Can I put a nut on it as I think the threading is stripped. Won't tighten up.
Will the mount come out without the shifter?
Can I get the bolt out without the whole mechanism falling apart?
Am I screwed?
|UPDATED|7/12/2018 10:35:04 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
OK, I got the mounting bracket out! Yay. Now, once I get the bracket fixed i.e. weld on a nut, I'm not sure I can get it all back together. The shifter is still in the car, and the exhaust pipes are still there. How do you bolt the shifter back on to the bracket? Seems that lower, smaller bolt is impossible to get to to start and then tighten up.
Lifetime MemberEquinunk, PA - USA
Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 2465
Vette(s): 1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.
You are correct on All points. Shifter is a pain and the site is going down hill.
I had to lower the pipes, and remove the shifter to deal with mine. Not much room to work in there, and would be best to have another person to help from inside the car. They can see where you can't and can help line things up. Hope you have a lift. so much easier to set on a creaper rather than on your back.
Thanks for responding Manchester. Thought for sure Joel would chime in, hope he is OK. My membership runs out in January, and I'm not sure I'll renew.
So I got everything out and I welded a nut on both bolt holes on the bracket. May as well beef them both up. I just have to remember how it all came out and reverse the order.
Kinda like a chinese puzzle. Plus I have to remember which bolts go where.
|UPDATED|7/13/2018 9:34:55 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
Lifetime MemberEquinunk, PA - USA
Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 2465
Vette(s): 1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.
Stick with it my friend. These cars are a work of love. They may have difficulties, BUT well worth it.
As for the site, stay here. It is a good place to get information and assistance. It may take time, but it ALWAYS has the answer to some problem we face. If you opt out, that's just one more hole in the forum.
Take your time, be patient and all will fall into place with the shifter. There are books with pictures and internet videos to show "How To". Joel is still in there, just may not be familiar with your dilemma. He can post pictures, I'm not that good with this letric wizard.
20152515373r.jpg)
Gary, congrats on getting the bracket out for repair, was the welded on nut stripped out or did the welds break allowing the nut to come loose ?? I have to admit I’ve never heard of that one either way. As you already know getting it back in is more than challenging. A couple years ago I repaired a worn out shifter for a friend with a 69 BB. Same as you, I removed the bracket then the shifter. I got access to the main bolt and the smaller lower bolt from the top end by removing the console plate and the lower rubber boot. Main bolt not so bad, the small bottom one a major trial on your patience. If you have to disconnect the shift rods to get addition clearance/movement disconnect for rods from the trans NOT the shifter. Good luck and I hopes this helps out !!
John Sigmund
valkman57@sbcglobal.net
NCRS Member 61302
NW NCRS Chapter Member
Duct tape is the new Black !!
Yea, that lower bolt is a female dog.
So I had nuts welded to both bolt holes. The upper was completely stripped and the lower looked pretty worn.
Got the shifter mounted to the bracket and have everything bolted up except the for the transmission crossmember.
Now I can't move the shift lever at all. Not for and aft, and not left and right. Am I stuck in a gear?
the front shift lever on the tranny it straight up, the aft lever is pushed forward, so I guess I am in a gear. But I push in the clutch and the lever will not shift any gears.
That is with the reverse rod connected or not.
?????
Should I get under there, disconnect the shift rods from the tranny and move one or both of the shift levers on the tranny?
Or should I let it down off the jacks, start it up and see if by moving the car a little bit, it will shift?
Does anyone know where the shift levers should be in neutral?
|UPDATED|7/14/2018 5:08:20 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
in Forum: C3 Driveline Components
SPONSOR AD: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)