1963 Borg Warner "Reverse shifting arm hitting the frame".

[Richard G.]

Everyone;
1963 Borg Warner transmission reverse shifting arm is hitting the frame.
As far as I know everything is stock except the transmission to frame rubber mount.
When I noticed the rod hitting I identified the transmission mount as defective and replaced it with a NAPA part.
The issue didn't change much after I installed the replacement mount.
I was wondering if the exhaust hanger went above the triangle shaped piece that adapts the mount to the frame.
If this was true it would raise the mount 1/8" if there is enough play in the bottom bolt to pull this off.
However upon closer inspection it didn't look like it would assemble in this order.
To top it off the assembly order of the exhaust hanger isn't real clear in the assembly manual.








My shifting arm adjusting block will not arrive till later this week.
Right now I am guessing on the adjustment.
Pictures show the shifting rod going through the linkage two different directions.
It should be inserted from the center of the car with the hole facing towards the drivers side.
I am considering adding a spacer between the transmission and the transmission mount.
I just don't know what is causing this issue unless the linkage is not designed to go back this far on the replacement mount is short on height.
Input is always appreciated.

Thanks
Rick

[Edward J.]

Re: 1963 Borg Warner "Reverse shifting arm hitting the frame".

Rich, the exhaust hanger bolts below the brace, you may want to try dropping the front pipe just a little lower in the opening of the frame. and make sure the braces are not bent downward, which would make the transmission mounting- lower

[Joe R.]

Re: 1963 Borg Warner "Reverse shifting arm hitting the frame".

Richard,

Good news and bad news. Good new is that it can be fixed. Bad news is that you have a 62 shifter and NOT a 63 shifter.

The earlier T-10 shifter used on 62's had a longer reverse arm cause 62's didn't have to worry about that crossmember being in the way. In 63 it was shortened to prevent it hitting the crossmember.

JR

[Harry S.]

Re: 1963 Borg Warner "Reverse shifting arm hitting the frame".

Some measurement from a 63 shifter.

[Richard G.]

Re: 1963 Borg Warner "Reverse shifting arm hitting the frame".

Thanks, wondered what the deal was as I knew GM would not have designed something with this little clearance.
It would have taken forever to figure this issue out. Thanks Joe

My replacement choices are;
(New) Stick With Us Price: $399.00
Used on eBay $399.00 or $375.00

I hate reproductions but this might be best in this case.
I failed to find just the reverse shifting plate/arm for sale. I thought I might just replace that piece but no joy.
It's interesting I don't remember any issues with shifting into reverse.
However it's been awhile, a long while.....

Looks like I will have a 62 shifter for sale soon.
Rick

[Harry S.]

Re: 1963 Borg Warner "Reverse shifting arm hitting the frame".

Rich, take a look at Vette products of Michigan http://www.vetteproducts.net/ Search on 4 speed and narrow year to 1963. I believe you will find the arms you need. The reverse arm is $32.00. Give them a call to to be sure. Part number 824816.

Good Luck

[Richard G.]

Re: 1963 Borg Warner "Reverse shifting arm hitting the frame".

Harry;
Thanks as I had no luck finding the individual parts for the shifter till you sent me in the correct direction.
Turned out Vetteproducts recommendation was a keeper.
They manufacture the parts (and the complete shifters in house).
I was able to purchase the individual reverse lever for the shifter from them.
It turned out the rod and the reverse lever located on the transmission were also 1962 items.
No surprises there.
So I made the order for $71.00 + shipping. (Two levers and one rod sans the clevis)
Highly likely it will solve my issue and all for less than $100 dollars.
Difficult to do much on these cars for any less!
Thanks everyone for the help identifying the issue and finding the parts.

Doesn't get any better than this.
Rick

[Richard G.]

Re: 1963 Borg Warner "Reverse shifting arm hitting the frame".

To follow-up on this posting;

The parts arrived and I could not assemble them as received.
The shifter arm has a hole in it with two slots 180 deg apart.
The slots were .035 shorter in length than the one I removed and this made the pin that engages this hole is too long to fit into the slot.
The ends of the slots are not wear areas so I am confident this is close to the factory measurement.
Ordinarily this would not be a big issue as one could file the slots deeper/longer.
However the part is harder than heck and a file will not touch it.
I had no luck with the milling machine either.
I guess I will have to grind some off the pin on the shifter shaft to shorten it.
The slots could have been made .125 longer and it would not have mattered.
However .018 per side short and one has a mess. These slots were obviously punched, not machined, into the arms.
I emailed the manufacture and received no response.
Still working on getting it assembled.


Rick