1966 4 speed shifting problem

[Dave Koch]

Need help diagnosing my transmission/shifter problem. I am having difficulty shifting out of reverse and going into 1st gear. I can shift into and out of reverse with no problems, but when going from reverse to first I have to give the stick a hard rap to the right to get it into 1st. The clutch seems to be ok (no grinding) and once in first it goes through all the gears (up & down shifting)just fine.

Thanks for the help,

Dave

[John]

Re: 1966 4 speed shifting problem

Sounds like a linkage adjustment and lubrication is in order (must be the day for linkage issues); your linkage wears, and it also hangs down under the car and gets a relatively precision mechanism filthy dirty - the dirtier it gets, the more it wears. This is easier to do on a mid-year than on a solid-axle car.

[John Fulton]

Re: 1966 4 speed shifting problem

Had the same problem with a 65 I used to own. I ordered the shifter rebuild kit from Zip. Easy to do, and corrected the problem. Cost was about 60 bucks, took about 2-3 hours.

[Carl R.]

Re: 1966 4 speed shifting problem

Hi Mr. Koch!

Unfortunately to this question I can say: "been there..."

Make sure your linkage is properly adjusted initially. I finally discovered my problem turned out to be the small "blade" on the end of the chrome shift lever was worn, allowing shifting into reverse (but not out). I tried to "creatively" slightly offset the 1-2 shift fork and divider plate and was successful for a few years. But then comes that one time in the parking lot when, dressed nicely, one has to reach under the car and manually pull the reverse rod to free the linkage...

I replaced the entire shifter assembly & my problem is cured. I suspect your shifter is tired (as mine was). Perhaps you could replace the shift lever only to correct but personally I simply replaced the assembly for about $250.

Good luck!

Carl