C1: an annoying shifter rattle

[Barbara S.]

It bugs me to be driving my '61 and listening to my stock 4 spd shifter rattle. It's the T part for the reverse. Do any of you have any suggestions to quiet my stock shifter from rattling?

Any help would be appreciated.

Best,
Tony

[Dennis C.]

Ear plugs. It's part of the magic. Enjoy it. *NM*

[Rob Edwards]

Re: C1: an annoying shifter rattle

Our '62's shifter rattles like a PO'ed snake....One of the local Corvette guys suggested the trick of installing a second shift boot underneath the stock one, he said people use a 4-spd boot from a '63. For the life of me I don't understand how this is possible, as the pic of a '63 boot I have looks like it's 2x as big as the '62 unit, but hey, that's what he said.

[Myron D.]

Re: C1: an annoying shifter rattle

There is a spring which probably needs to be replaced in the shifter handle, corvette cental has them part #531116 best, scott #40610

[Barbara S.]

Re: C1: an annoying shifter rattle

I'll check it out. Thanks.

It's about as annoying as splitting a room with a buddy who snores--well, maybe not that bad.

Best,
Tony

[Rob Edwards]

Re: C1: an annoying shifter rattle

The missing anti-rattle spring is a good thought, and the first thing to check. FWIW, mine is present and still rattles like crazy.

[Clem Z.]

Re: C1: an annoying shifter rattle

back in my older corvette days we stopped the shfter buzz by installing a chrome plated brass shifter knob because the extra weight seem to do the trick.

[Brad K.]

Re: C1: an annoying shifter rattle

Installing/replacing the shifter spring won't do it. There is an article (by Richard Viegas) in the Fall '88 Corvette Restorer magazine (obtainable when you buy a '58-'60 CD-ROM from NCRS for $40) that specifically addresses this issue. It involves a total disassembly of your shifter and placing (epoxying) some pieces of thin plastic against the interior surfaces where there is metal-to-metal contact.
Brad

[Michael Y.]

Three other possibilities

1. Balance the driveshaft and yoke assembly. This will help a little at some speeds.
2. Fabricate a bracket to mount the shifter to the transmission crossmember as they did starting in 1966.
3. Throw a jacket over it.
Mike