C2 Shifter Fix or Replace??

[Rick Stecchi]

The original shifter in my 67 small block is loose and worn. Is it best to rebuild the original one (If so what does it entail?) or by a repo one. ($210.00 for the repo one).

I talked to somone who said the only thing needed to rebiuld my original one is the $25.00 main shaft that goes through the middle of it.

It is not so much the difference in cost but more in wanting to keep the original shifter in the car as opposed to a repo one.

I see original used ones on eBay anywhere from $75.00 to $200.00+ but I may be getting one just as bad as the one on the car now.

What is the best approach here?

Thanks,

Rick

[William C.]

Re: C2 Shifter Fix or Replace??

First, take it apart carefully looking for signs of undue wear. Look closely at the housing for signs of looseness at the weld where the housing wraps around and overlaps itself in the front. If broken, this can be rewelded. Normally this housing will open up over the years, and a little time with a press will tighten up the mechanism. I have not seen a case of undue wear on the pivot pin, but inspect and replace as necessary. Generally and "slop" beyond the point where the shift arms can move smoothly is not useful or helpful. Make sure the nylon bushings are in the trigger assembly and you reverse lockout spring is good and you should be in good shape. Once done, aligh the linkage per the service manual instructions and it should be like new.

[Mike M.]

Re: C2 Shifter Fix or Replace??

ebay used will be pig in poke. i've rebuilt a good many. wait till you disasssemble the old shifter before ordering parts, most of which were still available from GM in recent past, otherwise repair with repo parts. mike

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 Shifter Fix or Replace??

Rick-----

I've not had any luck with rebuilding shifters. Basically, I think that it's due to the fact that all of the parts sort of "wear together".

The last time I rebuilt my 1969 shifter (which is very similar to C2 shifters except 1963), I replaced all of the parts except the shifter lever. When everything was said-and-done, the shifter still did not perform in a staisfactory manner. The reason? Well, when I carefully inspected the shifter lever, I noted that there was wear on the "blade" which is located on the bottom of the lever. This "blade" is critical for proper shifter operation. So, what I ended up with was all new parts which had to function with the worn "blade". There wasn't a lot of wear on the blade, but there was enough to cause problems when combined with new other parts.

My solution? Forget the whole thing and purchase a new GM shifter (still available at that time). After that, PERFECT shifting in every way. I was so pleased that I then purchased 2 more NOS shifters in case I ever need them [none for sale]. I think that the reproduction shifters are manufactured by the same company that made them for GM, though. I didn't know that was going to happen when I purchased my spares, however.

[Dave McDufford]

Joe. I gotta ask...

How big of warehouse do you have???

Dave

[Joe L.]

Re: Joe. I gotta ask...

Dave------

It's not real huge but I've got it set up so that every square inch of space is efficiently used. It's getting to the point where I'm virtually out of space, though.

[Brian M.]

Re: Joe. I gotta ask...

Joe, If you feel the need for an East Coast Warehouse just let me know.