Need Opinion with 72 4 speed transmission interlock cable

[Peter B.]

Hello Everyone- - I am back. Planning on doing some serious improvements this year to the vette. 1972.

I need your help. I had taken my car to a shop which was a horror. I took it back but not before someone there, in the one day that it was there, moved the car and I suppose decided to force the shifter while the key was out. As a result the interlock cable that once you put it in reverse locks the steering column got kinked and bent. Now since that kink is there, I cannot put the car in reverse and take the key out because that kink is not allowing the column lock to reach its proper position.

What should I do? Replace the cable or is there another trick someone knows of that I can try?

[Ken K.]

Re: Need Opinion with 72 4 speed transmission interlock cable

Just remove the cable and you can drive it.
Then buy a new cable and install it and you are good to go.
Hope that helps.
My 72 did not have a cable when I bought it used and was good to drive.
I bought a cable and then everything worked fine.

[Larry M.]

Re: Need Opinion with 72 4 speed transmission interlock cable

A quick, simple work-around, if you don't want to go to the effort of replacing the cable right away, is just disconnect the cable at the upper connection.

Larry

[Joseph K.]

Re: Need Opinion with 72 4 speed transmission interlock cable

Hello Everyone- - I am back. Planning on doing some serious improvements this year to the vette. 1972.

I need your help. I had taken my car to a shop which was a horror. I took it back but not before someone there, in the one day that it was there, moved the car and I suppose decided to force the shifter while the key was out. As a result the interlock cable that once you put it in reverse locks the steering column got kinked and bent. Now since that kink is there, I cannot put the car in reverse and take the key out because that kink is not allowing the column lock to reach its proper position.

What should I do? Replace the cable or is there another trick someone knows of that I can try?

Usually the kink is on the trany end of the cable. Some times if it is not to bad you can straighten the cable if after you remove it. If not the cable will need to be replaced. I was able to straighten mine when I first got it. The cable was rusted inside the tube and kinked by the revers lever on the trany. I took two pliers and straightened the kink.

[Jim S.]

Re: Need Opinion with 72 4 speed transmission interlock cable

Even though the cable is disconnected you now must place the lever on the lower end of the steering column in the full UP position. (About 1 o'clock if you could see it as viewed from the driver position.) You will need to wire the lever UP.

If the lever is in any other position, you will be able to shut the engine off, but you will not be able to lock the steering wheel or remove your key from the lock cylinder.

[Don L.]

Re: Need Opinion with 72 4 speed transmission interlock cable

FWIW, My cable was included in the "box 'o extra parts" when I bought the car (1972 4 speed). Evidently, the previous owner wanted to be able to shut the car off in any gear. I noticed the cable had a kink in it but I straightened it best I could and installed it anyway. No go. Had to pick up a new one (GM #3949074) and then all was good.

Some adjustment may be needed during your install. See section 7-18 of CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL for adjustment instruction.

Hope this helps.