C2 67 Shifting Help Needed

[Donald O.]

Evening all,

And yes, I do know how to shift a MT. My problem is that I can put the trans into reverse without lifting on the T handle. This is not a fun situation when in heavy traffic and constant shifting back to first is needed.

I have pulled the console and boot and can not see why this is happening. Should I replace the T handle assembly or just the lock out rod?
If just the rod, how should I retain it in the handle?

Any help or ideas is appreciated.

Don

[Donald O.]

PS

Has Spell Check been removed?
Dumies lik my ned ot badddley

Don

[Bill Braun 33186]

Re: C2 67 Shifting Help Needed

This may seem like a silly counter question, but are you sure you have the stock shifter? A lot of C2s were converted to Hurst shifters with repro style shift handles that have the spring-loaded reverse lock-out, but it is non-functional.

Just my 2 cents

Bill

[Mike McKown]

Re: C2 67 Shifting Help Needed

Donald:

If it's like an earlier model, unsrew the shifter knob. You should see a small tensioning spring between the top of the tee handle and the knob. In the side of the tee handle, there will be a set screw that sets the adjustment on the lockout cable(?). It sounds like your cable is either too high on adjustment or the end is broken off, or it is missing completely. If I have misled you, I'm sure someone will jump in. Just not sure about the '67 model.

Bill brings up a very good point. I've never seen the inside of the Hurst but I bet it doesn't have the set screw and the cable.

Mike

[Joe C.]

Re: PS

Donald:

The easiest way to check if yours is a Hurst shifter is by feel. The Hurst unit has a spring loaded gate, whereas the Muncie shifter does not. This gives the Hurst a tight, crisp, positive feel; the Muncie has that nice, sloppy feel, that is the hallmark of a great shifter. On a more serious note, the Muncie is a one piece assembly, while the Hurst is two piece. The Hurst handle is held to the linkage with two bolts; this is best seen by removing the shift boot.

If you find that you have a real Muncie shifter, then the tee handle/lockout rod can be purchased from any of the Corvette parts houses. There is no cable or adjustment for the reverse lockout.

Joe

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 67 Shifting Help Needed

Mike-----

The cable-type reverse lockout device was last used for the 1963 model year. After that, the non-adjustable rod-type "T" handle was used.

[Mike McKown]

Look before leaping

I stand corrected as I thought I would. The cable(?) reference was to Muncie shifters on Chevy II, Chevelle and Pass. As was the adjustment feature. Say, '64 through '6? I looked at a NOS shifter I have this afternoon and it has as you described. However, memory although not too good, tells me that when you buy the replacement rod, you "adjust it" buy setting it in the reverse notch and then crimping it to the correct dimension above the "T" handle on a Corvette.

In any case, I think if the shift knob is removed, it will show this fella his problem, whatever the design.

Thank you,
Mike

[Donald O.]

Re: C2 67 Shifting Help Needed

Good evening again,

The transmission and the shifter are both Muncies and original. The shifter ball has to be removed to remover the boot.

I just can't determine why I can put it in reverse without lifting the T handle.

Don

[Mike McKown]

Re: C2 67 Shifting Help Needed

Well, you got me man. If the above posts don't answer the question then the only thing I can think of is the "T" handle is stuck in the up position because of old grease. If it's a Hurst shifter, you will have to apply considerable pressure to get it across the reverse gate so it will not just "fall" into reverse in normal driving. If the rod is missing that is attached to the "T" handle, or broken, it will flop over into reverse at will. Don't know what else to tell you.

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 67 Shifting Help Needed

Donald-----

There were 3 different "T" handle assemblies with the rod. Each had different length rods. Also, there were two different configurations of the cast component ("T" handle). The 64-67 design used the shortest rod length AND the upper portion of the cast piece was completely round and the same diameter as the portion below the "T". For 68+ "T" handles the upper portion of the cast piece is different.

You MAY have an incorrect "T" assembly installed. The 1967 handle, GM #3901033 was discontinued over 20 years ago, but is available in reproduction. The 68-76 handle, GM #3921642, is still available.

[Mike McKown]

Re: C2 67 Shifting Help Needed

Joe:

I think I have a reverse rod service part somewhere that is made to service both the long and short requirement. I believe inside the package there was a note explaining how to install the rod in the handle, crimp it and then trim to length. Or, am I imagining things?

Mike

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 67 Shifting Help Needed

Mike----

No, you're not imagining things. Such a rod has been available for quite a few years from aftermarket sources. However, as far as I know, none has ever been available from GM.

[Mike McKown]

Phantom part

Joe:

Since my inquiry to you, I dug up the part I was talking about. I have two as as a matter of fact. Group 4.006 part #3889461. The 1-1-70 Corvette parts book describes it as '64-'67 Corvette, second design ROD, control reverse release, note 1.

The same group lists a '64 1st design CABLE, control reverse release, PIN ON END note 1. This part # is 3857397. Likely the PRODUCTION part or first SERVICE part.

In the part package are installation instructions: (I'll start with #4)

4. Remove the reverse release handle assy, consisting of handle, release cable

and set screw.

5. Straighten the portion of the release cable bent over the handle;

remove and discard both the set screw and the cable assy.

6. (note 1) Describes using a #43 drill to enlarge the hole in the "T" handle.

And then it goes on from there.

The second sheet of paper included is an illustration that clearly shows the first and second design "t" handles, with cable and set screw and with rod.

If you like details, the instruction sheet document number is C-889461. The subject of the sheet is ACCIDENTAL REVERSE GEAR SELECTION.

This is exactly why I have these parts. I had to change the cable on my '64 in about 1979. When I purchased these "rods" the parts man told me they had to replace the cable for this problem.

I looked in my 11-77 parts book and 3889461 is no longer in that group on this date. My parts history books are in hibernation and didn't want to dig them out.

Regards,
Mike

[Dino L.]

Re: C2 67 Shifting Help Needed

It may be that you have a C3 shifter mounted in your car with a C2 lockout rod....I have come across this before, Long C3 handle short C2 rod...Measure your rod and your handle...top of threads to centerline bolt, and length overall of rod and post the dimensions....