1961 shifter reverse lockout - how do I remove this thing?

[Gordon W.]

Nothing in ST12 or the AIM shows how this reverse lockout handle connects to the shifter. What's the secret to removing this thing?

IMG_20120819_124552.jpg

I know I'm getting old because I thought that was a screw holding it on until I removed the ball handle and got a closer look.

[Don H.]

Re: 1961 shifter reverse lockout - how do I remove this thing?

Gordon, It has been a while since I had one apart but will give it a try. First you need to remove the shift pattern and then the shfit plate below (both 2 phillips screws). This will allow the shifter boot to be moved up and off the shifter. Now you have access to the entire shifter top lever. The reverse lock out lever has a cover on the left side which I think is retained by "friction" cut outs and a screw at the bottom (I cannot remember if it was originally a screw, that is what mine now has). This cover retains the cable attached to the top "T' and the bottom lever with a return spring in between. This bottom lever prevents you from tilting the shifter to the left (for reverse) unless you pull up on it. Please correct me if I wrong - it is late & I am getting old. Good luck, Don H.

[Gordon W.]

Re: 1961 shifter reverse lockout - how do I remove this thing?

Aha! Great info, Don. Thank you very much.

[Gordon W.]

Re: 1961 shifter reverse lockout - how do I remove this thing?

I took the plate off and no screw. I'm guessing this is a pin that I need to drive out but does it matter which way I drive it? Towards the front of the car or the rear?

Here are 2 pics:

IMG_20120820_182806.jpgIMG_20120820_182749.jpg

[John F.]

Re: 1961 shifter reverse lockout - how do I remove this thing?

Gordon, Maybe we are all missing something here, but why do you want to remove the reverse-lockout? This shifter handle is not like the Hurst shifters where you can change the handles by removing two bolts.

[Gordon W.]

Re: 1961 shifter reverse lockout - how do I remove this thing?

H, John.

I just wanted to remove the reverse t handle to try a thicker plastic bushing or something to stop it from rattling. It's the only noise the car makes now that my dad and I got the exhaust stopped from hitting the frame.

The main shifter handle doesn't rattle, just the little t part of it.

[Bruce B.]

Re: 1961 shifter reverse lockout - how do I remove this thing?

Gordon,
Is the anti rattle spring in place near the bottom of the shifter?
I think if you want to remove the lockout shaft you have to remove the shifter from the transmission.
No big deal to remove the shifter, just some patience.

[Gordon W.]

Re: 1961 shifter reverse lockout - how do I remove this thing?

I'm not sure what the anti rattle spring looks like or where it might go. I'll search the archives for a picture.

[Gordon W.]

Re: 1961 shifter reverse lockout - how do I remove this thing?

I couldn't find any pictures of how this anti rattle spring mounts in the archives, google, or the AIM.

AIM pages A111 and A112 show a shifter but it has no reverse lockout on it.

Anyone have a picture so I can see where this spring goes?

[Bill M.]

Re: 1961 shifter reverse lockout - how do I remove this thing?

I took the plate off and no screw. I'm guessing this is a pin that I need to drive out but does it matter which way I drive it? Towards the front of the car or the rear?

The pin on my '59 is peened on both ends. You will have to grind off one end to remove it.

[Bruce B.]

Re: 1961 shifter reverse lockout - how do I remove this thing?

Gordon,
Check any of the Corvette suppliers catalogs.
Paragon, page 48.
Keen Parts, page 27, excellent big picture
Corvette Central, pg.112.

[Gordon W.]

Re: 1961 shifter reverse lockout - how do I remove this thing?

Bruce, awesome, thanks.

Now I can see what spring y'all are talking about. I'll have to get under the car today and take a look.

For archive posterity, here's a cropped snapshot of the drawing showing the anti-rattle spring:

shifter.jpg

[Philip P.]

Re: 1961 shifter reverse lockout - how do I remove this thing?

Just my experience but it may not be the anti rattle spring, The levers get loose and without tearing the shifter apart an do a rebuild it may still be a noise source. I have a procedure that I recieved from someone but age being an issue I cannot remember who, if you would like a copy I will send it to you as I am not sure how to attach it to this reply.
Phil

[Gordon W.]

Re: 1961 shifter reverse lockout - how do I remove this thing?

Is your procedure for rebuilding the shifter or are you possibly referring to the o-ring trick I've read about? The o-ring trick is to put a small rubber o-ring over the shifter shaft on top of the T handle to keep it still. If I find that I have the anti rattle spring I may resort to the o-ring, but I want to try the spring first.

[Philip P.]