C3 automatic transmission shifter

[c3po]

I am new to the vet world. My 1977 vet has an automatic transmission shifter that moves freely between R N D D2 D1. This scares me when driving. Is it fixable? replaceable? the way it is suposed to work? or really screwed up? Thanks for any help!

 

[Evolution1980]

How do you shift at all if it moves freely between the gears? I guess I'm not visualizing exactly what you are describing...

PS - Welcome to the Be sure to stop over in the New User's section and introduce yourself!

 

[JohnZ]

Do you have up-down movement against spring resistance on the button? The button should be "up" at all times, and you should have to push it down to get from neutral into reverse or park. If the button doesn't work like that, the detent spring has probably broken or fallen off inside the base.

 

[pasvorto]

When I got mine, it did the same thing. The Reverse Lockout tab was broken off the shifter. I took the shifter out and, along with the tab, went to a machinist buddy of mine. He brazed the tab back on. I put it back together. Haven't had a problem since. I couldn't find a shifter anyware. That is why I went the 'repair' route.

 

[Art Jett]

You should be able to find a shifter on E-bay or if not for sure they would have one at Contemporary Corvettes. It's a corvette wrecking yard in Pensylvania. I've bought a few parts from them and the price and service was EXCELLENT!

 

[c3po]

I took it apart over the weekend. There was no spring at the top but one at the bottom. It does not push the inside rod up high enough. The shifter aparently is not original. It is a wooden know with wooden button. Should there be a top spring?

Thanks for everyone's help!

 

[Evolution1980]

I believe there's only a spring at the bottom. I have to dig into my console in the next few days. I can take a picture of mine. I might already have a pic from when I replaced the shifter key/plate.

 

[c3po]

Got it fixed. Thanks all for your help!

 

[Evolution1980]

...and the fix...???

 

[c3po]

Sorry! I replaced the spring at the bottom of the shifter. Works now! Thanks!

 

[Jodie Moore]

3 to 2

Do you have up-down movement against spring resistance on the button? The button should be "up" at all times, and you should have to push it down to get from neutral into reverse or park. If the button doesn't work like that, the detent spring has probably broken or fallen off inside the base.

The flaw in my shifter is that you don't have to push the button down to go from 3 to 2. Just tap the shifter and it's down shifted. This happened by mistake while adjusting the radio. What would recommend Mr. Z?

 

[Evolution1980]

*Thread Resurrection After 8 Years*

The flaw in my shifter is that you don't have to push the button down to go from 3 to 2. Just tap the shifter and it's down shifted. This happened by mistake while adjusting the radio. What would recommend Mr. Z?

Jodie, did you unscrew the ball and check the spring under the button? Does it work properly for Park and Reverse, just not the lower 1-2 positions?

 

[Jodie Moore]

shifter

*Thread Resurrection After 8 Years*


Jodie, did you unscrew the ball and check the spring under the button? Does it work properly for Park and Reverse, just not the lower 1-2 positions?

Thanks for the reply ,
The shifter works except for the fact that you don't have to push the button down to go from 3 to 2. In fact it takes very little pressure on the shifter to downshift. This happened once by accident when I was adjusting the radio. As I brought my hand back I bump the shifter and damn near went through the windshield. I'll check the spring when I get my car back from the shop.
By the way who in your opinion has the best stock shifter? Just in case I need to replace the whole thing.
Thank you again.
You do on mine have to push the button down to go from 2 to 1

 

[Jodie Moore]

Awesome

How do you shift at all if it moves freely between the gears? I guess I'm not visualizing exactly what you are describing...

PS - Welcome to the Be sure to stop over in the New User's section and introduce yourself!

Awesome paint scheme very impressive

 

[Jodie Moore]

The flaw in my shifter is that you don't have to push the button down to go from 3 to 2. Just tap the shifter and it's down shifted. This happened by mistake while adjusting the radio. What would recommend Mr. Z?

it works properly except for the downshift from 3 to 2

 

[Jodie Moore]

Thanks for the reply ,
The shifter works except for the fact that you don't have to push the button down to go from 3 to 2. In fact it takes very little pressure on the shifter to downshift. This happened once by accident when I was adjusting the radio. As I brought my hand back I bump the shifter and damn near went through the windshield. I'll check the spring when I get my car back from the shop.
By the way who in your opinion has the best stock shifter? Just in case I need to replace the whole thing.
Thank you again.
You do on mine have to push the button down to go from 2 to 1

 

[Peer81]

Mine does the same thing! I only have to push the botton to get it in Parking. Works perfect for me!

Greetings Peter

 

[Jodie Moore]

shifter

Mine does the same thing! I only have to push the botton to get it in Parking. Works perfect for me!

Greetings Peter

Thanks Peer 81,
I appreciate your input. If it wasn't for the fact that I had the exact same model car 25 yrs ago and drove it everyday for 11yrs I would probably think that's the way it supposed to be. But I did a lot of shopping before buying this one and I know it's not working as designed. I am currently in in an unpleasant situation with a custom corvette shop and this is just one of the problems. I wanted to build a great solid driver and I'm not getting monies worth and am tired of lies and my old parts disappearing along with shoddy workmanship and excuses along with unauthorized work. Looks like a made a mistake in choosing this company. I'm rambling,kind of pissed. Listen you be safe out there and have fun. Happy Thanksgiving

 

[Peer81]

If I'm correct mine is blocked on the underside so the shaft stays low.
Sorry to hear you have these problems with your shop!

Greetings Peter

 

[Jodie Moore]

Thanks

If I'm correct mine is blocked on the underside so the shaft stays low.
Sorry to hear you have these problems with your shop!

Greetings Peter

Thanks Peter I appreciate the input.