Muncie woes

[Rex T.]

Took my 64 out for a cruise this afternoon, up the interstate a couple of miles to blow off some winter dust, and wound up with the trans stuck in 2nd gear (I think). At least that is what it seems. When I place the shifter in the normal 1st gear position, the car will not move, shift back to 2nd gear position and it still won't move. However, if I place the shifter just slightly forward of the normal 2nd gear position, it will go forward, but will not shift to another gear. Any thoughts on this one? At least I was able to limp it back home, nothing hurt but my pride (I hope). As always, thanks in advance for your help.
Rex #8089

[William C.]

Re: Muncie woes

Start with the linkage, see if the nuts are tight on the shift arms, and the arms had the slots aligned with the shaft properly as a first step. True 64 shifter arms and the design of the shafts that come thru the side cover were not a robust as the '65 versions (and subsequent)

[Mike B.]

Re: Muncie woes

I agree with the linkage diagnosis. If the alternate levers such as 3-4 and reverse are not perfectly centered in their detent neutral positions, shifting of the active lever/gear can be virtually impossible. This is true for whatever gear you are trying to shift into. Simply get under the car and wiggle things around a bit. Maybe you will get lucky and find a $.50 linkage retaining clip broke and the rod fell off.