'65 Shifter T-handle Identification Needed

[Larry B.]

The shifter reverse t-handle broke on the '65 last night. I looked in the parts catalog and found that my handle looked different than the one used for '65. My handle rod is approximately 8 3/4" and the spring is just slightly over 1 1/2". Can anyone identify what year reverse t-handle I have so I can find the right replacement?

Also, the catalog calls for two t-handle bushings. My old handle does not have any. Where do the bushings go and what are there purpose? I did have some shifter rattle. Thanks!

[David L.]

Re: '65 Shifter T-handle Identification Needed

Larry,

I have 2 or 3 NOS reverse T-handles in my "collection". I will see if I can find them in the next couple of days. I bought them back in the 1980's.

Dave

[Larry B.]

Re: '65 Shifter T-handle Identification Needed

Hi Dave, Thanks for the offer. I just picked up a handle from the local supplier.
Larry

[David L.]

Re: '65 Shifter T-handle Identification Needed

Larry,

Pictured are the 3 T-handles that I bought as a group of 3 in the 1980's (probably @ Carlisle). I believe they are for 1964-1967 Corvettes w/4-speed but I will have to compare them to the one on my 1966 shifter. They measure 2.30" long, 0.78" O.D. at the top end, and 0.75" at the bottom end. On the very top near the small hole is a casting number "2" (see photo @ right).

The GM part #'s (in Gr. 4.006) would be 3846843 (1964 models) replaced in Jan. 1964 with 3853136 (1965-1966 models) and then replaced in March 1967 with 3901033 (1967 models) as per Chevrolet Parts History. When the changes took place on the assembly line is anyone's guess.

Dave

[George C.]

Re: '65 Shifter T-handle Identification Needed

Larry,
I haven't seen an answer yet about your bushing question, I just checked the 1965 shop manual supplement, and it does show two bushings in the lower 1/2 of the t-handle.
I do believe the purpose of the bushings is to stop the rattle in the shifter.
George

[David L.]

Re: '65 Shifter T-handle Identification Needed

Pictured below is a page from my 1967 Chevrolet Parts Illustration Catalog (effective Oct. 1966).

Dave

[Larry B.]

Re: '65 Shifter T-handle Identification Needed

Thanks Guys! Got the handle but no bushings available. I will keep looking.

[Philip A.]

Re: '65 Shifter T-handle Identification Needed

Larry
LICS sells the bushings. However, they do not fit repro shifters (and the package states this). There is not enough space betwen the shifter shaft and the T-handle tube. I believe the shifter may be thicker. This is from experience.

[Larry B.]

Re: '65 Shifter T-handle Identification Needed

Thanks Phillip

[Wayne M.]

Re: '65 Shifter T-handle Identification Needed

Pictured below is a page from my 1967 Chevrolet Parts Illustration Catalog (effective Oct. 1966)...

Dave -- wasn't there a revision sometime in C2 production that eliminated the set-screw (item #3 in your diag.) and went to a different T-bar handle that you just bent the upper tip of the reverse lock rod over, to prevent its dropping ? Or was this later feature strictly service ?

[Michael H.]

Re: '65 Shifter T-handle Identification Needed

Dave -- wasn't there a revision sometime in C2 production that eliminated the set-screw (item #3 in your diag.) and went to a different T-bar handle that you just bent the upper tip of the reverse lock rod over, to prevent its dropping ? Or was this later feature strictly service ?

Wayne,

You are correct. There was a new design and part number that I believe was released at some point in early 67 production. The new number was in the 390xxxx range. I can look up the numbers later.....

[David L.]

Re: '65 Shifter T-handle Identification Needed

Wayne,

Item # 4 in the drawing changed as follows:
3846843 (early 1964 models)
replaced in Jan. 1964 with
3853136 (late 1964-early 1967 models)
replaced in March 1967 with
3901033

There were also changes with item # 7 (cable) and item #5 (lever).

I have a September 8, 1964, Technical Service Bulletin entitled "1964 Corvette 4-Speed Shift Lever Revisions" (4 pages).

Dave