Hello all... I'm working on installing a new "BTO" TH-2004r in my '79 and have a few questions.

First, in order to get the tab welded onto my new dipstick tube lined up with the bellhousing, I had to pull it at least 1" out of its fitting. I spoke to one of the guys at BTO who told me I should cut off and re-weld the tab so that the tube fits all the way down in the hole. He also said I should use a rubber mallet to tap the tube into place tightly. The tube goes into the rubber fitting pretty easily, all the way up to the little "shoulder", but is that not all the way in? Do I need to do as instructed and tap the tube in a little further than where I can push it in by hand?

Also, I didn't get new bellhousing bolts, but have the old ones. Is it OK to re-use these (now 25 year-old) bolts, or is it a good idea to get new ones?

And, I am thinking this is a good time to replace my neutral safety switch, but where is it? Is it inside the car, under the console? Are there any special procedures / adjustments I need to be aware of or just simply R&R the switch?

I'm taking pictures and hope to put together an "album" at some point - assuming I can get everything back together and working! Thanks for any help!

Ben - (our car is Midnight Blue, hence the "AzulVette")

The tube should just go into the shoulder. Driving it further would make the dipstick read too high for what's really there. You do want the bracket lined up to bolt inplace to hold the tube where it belongs.

The bolts to the bellhousing should be fine. As with any bolt, check the threads for wear, rust, or damage. If the threads are okay, and it's not bent or damaged, the bolts are okay. This is not true of all bolts, but most of them on our C3s.

The neutral start switch on an automatic in in the console on the shifter. You will find a hole to align when the shifter is in neutral or perhaps park. You should be able to put a pin in to hold it in place. If it's not lined up correctly the car may not start when it should, or could be cranked when it should not be, or the backup lights may not work properly.

Ken Styer

Did you get the new detent for the shifter? The shifter positions are different and you will need to either replace the stock one or at least rework it. If you don't it will not function correctly and could screw up the trans. Park- neutral positions are closer together. I reworked my switch so it is correct with the 200-4R. Park to first are the same so the biggest difference came from fitting the 4th gear in. The result was making park-reverse-neutral-Odrive closer together. Then they added notches for 3rd and 2nd.