Shifter question

[Timothy B.]

My 67 conv 327 with 4 speed often is a bit touchy in shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear. Often, it wants to slip back into 1st rather than make the shift into 3rd. I am wondering if there is anything specific from the experience of the group that I should check, or is simply a general linkage adjustment in order??

[Joe L.]

Re: Shifter question

Tim-----

The problem is likely due to wear of parts in the shifter assembly. There are several parts of this assembly that do wear and, eventually, cause problems when the wear reaches a certain point.

I have found that rebuilding these units can be problematic----sometimes it comes out right and sometimes it doesn't. When it doesn't, you've invested in a bunch of parts that didn't get you where you wanted to go. Then, you have to purchase a new shifter assembly, anyway.

One problem with rebuilding these shifters is that a critical component in the whole thing is the shifter "blade" which is part of the forged shifter lever. You can replace all of the other parts of the shifter assembly, but if this piece is worn, you'll end up with more problems than you had originally. That's becuase the new parts of the shifter will work less well with a worn "blade" than the old parts did. I don't think that the shifter lever is available in reproduction as a seperate part. If it is, likely the combination of the new parts will cost more than just purchasing the complete assembly.

[Wayne K.]

Re: Shifter question

Tim,

As usual, Joe's comments make good sense. If after inspecting the shifter you determine that it is worn out I would go the route he has suggested. If you find a lot of old hardened grease/oil and dirt like I did and have the time then do as I did and clean everything with a good degreaser ( I used brake cleaner ) and lubricate all the moving parts ( I used Wurth HHS 2000 ) and do an alignment. After doing this I was amazed at the change it made in the shifting.

Wayne

[William V.]

Re: Shifter question

Tim

If your car is a driver and not NCRS judged, you may consider what I did.

I had problems whith my 64 shifter so I replaced it with a Hurst Comp + shifter and reproduction stock looking shift lever. I had the hurst lying around so the swap only cost the price of the stock looking lever. ($75) Now it looks stock and shifts like a dream.

A new Competion plus shifter is quite expensive, However you may be able to find a used one at a good price.

Good Luck