Linkage, No Reverse

[Donw]

Not sure what I did wrong if anything? I have a 1969 Corvette original 4 speed. I was having problems (as many do) with it loacking in thrid putting it into reverse would only lock it against each other. I went ahead and replaced all linkage and accessories. Everything seemed to go ok. Pain in the butt getting all the clips on etc but was successful.

What is happening now is I still have it on Jacks, got in and have all four gears and seem pretty tight. Problem now is I can't get it into reverse? Got underneatch and it appears it is the arm on tranmission more then linkage.

Is there anything I have not done or need to do before it will go into reverse? I have not started car but like I say Ihave all four gears but no reverse.

I could sure use any help to figure out what is wrong? I appreciate any help I can get.

Thanks Much

DonW

 

[Rowdy1]

Try.....

Starting it and letting the clutch out in 1st, then stop the wheels using the brakes as normal and see if you have reverse. With nothing moving, you may not get all the gears as when the engine is running, all the parts in the trans are moving, input, main shaft, syncro's etc. Post how you make out.

 

[69_coupe]

Check that the linkage is correctely adjusted. It's possible that the shift lever doesn't fit in to the slot in the reverse linkage. With the trans in neutral the lever should move freely between the three slots.

 

[Yoda]

Hi Don,

I was experiencing this same problem with my 81.. The last two years I've replaced the lock-out T handle 3 times. My problem was it would go into Reverse, then lock up in Reverese and First Gear then not move.

I talked to the local Transmission shop and they said it was not uncommon for these old shifters to come loose or worse that the housing at the bottom of the shifter develop an oblong hole for the linkage attach area.

I found two bolts on the linkage to the crossmember loose, tightened them up, but no help. With the transmission out of the car, I could see the bottom piece the transmission shop was talking about, and yes it was sloppy..
I tried for a week to find the part, ended up buying a NOS shifter. Did the alignment of the linkage and shifter before installing the tranny, and everything is just like brand new.. The parts, if I could find them were around $60 or so, the NOS shifter was $189.00 plus shipping from Volunteer Vettes..

I'll attach a photo of the shifter and parts highlighted

Bud

 

[Rowdy1]

Alignment Tool

I didn't even ask if you DonW, had done that, it's imperative you do or you're starting from an improper place with the shifter right off the bat. That has to be in perfect neutral before you install or adjust the linkage rods. Let us know