70 muncie shifter and side cover removal

[Joe L.]

Re: 70 muncie shifter and side cover removal

I just wanted to begin closing the loop.

Shifter is out and frankly was far easier than I expected. Had the exhaust down already, disconnected linkage from transmission, removed transmission mount and bracket, drive shaft was already down, and really had no problem.

Still debating replacing shifter or rebuilding original and whether to drop the transmission. I was having no problem with the clutch an pedal play was about perfect.

Thanks for all the input!

Bill

Bill------


I have been disappointed in the past when I tried to rebuild shifters, even using all GM parts (once available but no more). I just did not get an as-new shifter operation. I believe that at least part of the problem related to wear on the "blade" at the bottom of the shifter shaft. This piece is absolutely critical for proper operation. If yours is worn, my recommendation is to replace the shifter. If it's not worn, you might get away with otherwise rebuilding the shifter.

[Bill L.]

Re: 70 muncie shifter and side cover removal

Bill------


I have been disappointed in the past when I tried to rebuild shifters, even using all GM parts (once available but no more). I just did not get an as-new shifter operation. I believe that at least part of the problem related to wear on the "blade" at the bottom of the shifter shaft. This piece is absolutely critical for proper operation. If yours is worn, my recommendation is to replace the shifter. If it's not worn, you might get away with otherwise rebuilding the shifter.

What exactly should I be looking for with the "blade" and is the wear something that will be obvious?

While very well maintained the shifter has 110k miles as does the rest of the car.

I tend to think replacing the shifter and linkage is best but would at least like to know what the critical wear points are before making a final decision.

Might also be nice to hear from others that have installed the reproduction version of the shifter and linkage.

This is my first attempt at at rebuilding a shifter. Years ago a replaced the GTO shifter with a Hurst Comp Plus.

Thanks, Bill

[Joe L.]

Re: 70 muncie shifter and side cover removal

What exactly should I be looking for with the "blade" and is the wear something that will be obvious?

While very well maintained the shifter has 110k miles as does the rest of the car.

I tend to think replacing the shifter and linkage is best but would at least like to know what the critical wear points are before making a final decision.

Might also be nice to hear from others that have installed the reproduction version of the shifter and linkage.

This is my first attempt at at rebuilding a shifter. Years ago a replaced the GTO shifter with a Hurst Comp Plus.

Thanks, Bill

Bill------


The "blade" is part of the shifter lever assembly. The shaft of the lever is the part that's visible in the car and to which the knob attaches. At the base of the shaft is a forged, "rectangular" block which is welded to the shaft. At the bottom of the forged block and an integral part of it is the "blade". Usually, wear is pretty obvious. However, if you have questions, just post a photo of it here and we can probably assess it. You may have to disassemble the shifter to get a good photo of the "blade". However, if there's any possibility of rebuild, you're going to have to disassemble it anyway. If it's not rebuildable, it won't matter if it's disassembled.