1969 Linkage problem & Backdrive cable

[Donw]

Replaced all my linkage and have all gears but it will not start. I noticed when I shift the shifter into reverse the reverse lever on the transmission does not move? Should it?

Also what is the backdrive cable on the reverse shifter of transmission used for? It was frozen and I got it moving again but it was never hooked up? I guess that would not have anything to do with starting it if it was not hooked up before.

Anyways any help would surely be appreciated. Been working on this for a long time just to get all gears. Now I am really depressed can't get it to start.

Thanks

Donw

 

[corvettegreg]

Backdrive locks the car in reverse as a security feature. You should not be able to shut off and lock ignition if car is not in reverse, and should not be able to shift out of reverse unless ignition is unlocked. My guess is the cable is out of adjustment. If you can lock ignition in any forward gear my guess is misadjusted cable is preventing reverse lever from moving when you shift into reverse. But this should not affect the car starting. I don't think the cable out of wack would affect the ignition switch.

I sold my 70 about 3 years ago and unfortunately the manuals went with it.

Hopefully someone else can shed some more light on the problem

 

[Donw]

When you say cable are you talking about the reverse linkage arm? It will lock in any gear which is not correct. So I take it you mean the linkage arm itself?

I appreciate any help and thanks for input.

DonW

 

[JohnZ]

Define "won't start" - can't turn key to "start", won't crank, cranks but won't fire, or ??

When you shift into reverse, if the reverse lever on the transmission doesn't move, something is awry with the shifter mechanism (assuming you have the reverse rod connected at both ends).

The backdrive cable is operated by the reverse lever on the transmission, and its upper end is connected to a lever that sticks out of the lower end of the steering column; the lever turns a tube inside the steering column that only allows the ignition key cylinder to turn to the "lock" position when the car is in reverse. Many are disconnected and have the column lever wired in the "up" position so this feature is disabled.