65 Trans. Shifter Linkage Finish

[John O.]

Hello everyone,

I've run into a delimma regarding the shifter linkage finish. The JM states that "the shift linkage, rods, swivels, nuts and clips have a black phosphate finish." However, my unrestored original appears to have a grey phosphate finish on the section that attaches to the shifter itself and the rods appear to be a "natural metal" in finish. The clips are black and the swivels that the rods mount to have a silver cad plated finish. The bolts that hold the rods to the swivels also appear to have a cad finish. What is correct?? Is the JM wrong or simply very vague on this issue. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

John Osterholm

[William C.]

Re: 65 Trans. Shifter Linkage Finish

I believe the JG is incorrect on this. Leave your parts alone (or better yet, take pictures and send to the Judging Team Leader) and wait for the manuals to catch up

[Chris H.]

Re: 65 Trans. Shifter Linkage Finish

My 62, though well disturbed also did not have any black type finish on the rods. If anything they were natural gray or cad.

Vette Products, who reproduces them, says they should be black but they could be wrong.

Chris

[William C.]

Re: 65 Trans. Shifter Linkage Finish

My unrestored '62 as well as a shelfful of miscellaneous shifter rods agrees with you that the rods were natural finish