Loose shifter

[John R.]

I am new to corvettes and recently picked up a 71 LT1. The shifter is loose when in neutral, but a bit everywhere. Is this common and can it be fixed? Just looking at how involved it would be. THanks.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Loose shifter

Most of the catalog vendors sell rebuild kits to help tighten up the shifter. They work quite well, and aren't hard to install.

[John R.]

Re: Loose shifter

Thanks - so more a full rebuild than bushings?

[Mike E.]

Thanks - so more a full rebuild than bushings?

[John R.]

Re: Loose shifter

OK, thanks. This will be a good winter project.

[Joe L.]

Re: Loose shifter

OK, thanks. This will be a good winter project.

John------


Check the "blade" on the very bottom of the shifter lever. If there is wear on this blade, as is common, you'll never have a properly operating shifter. In that case, your best bet is to obtain a complete new shifter assembly. Many years ago I tried rebuilding a shifter which suffered from the kind of wear I described. I used all new GM parts to rebuild it. When I was done I had a shifter which did not perform properly. I ended up just buying a new GM shifter assembly which were then still available. Current reproductions are good.

[John R.]

Re: Loose shifter

Thanks Joe. That seems to be inline with the other recommendations. Looks like a project for me this winter. It's not horrible, just not to my liking. John