Shifter question.

[Terry F.]

When I went through my shifter on my 68, I noticed that the end of the actual shifter shaft was sort of wedge shaped on both sides (I am talking about the actual end of the shifter shaft that directs the linkage). At the time, I couldn't tell if it was suposed to be that way or if it is worn that way. Any opinions would be appreciated. Thanks, Terry

[Joe L.]

Re: Shifter question.

Terry-----

It's very hard to tell from your description if the blade is worn. However, this part is often worn and is one of the primary reasons for shifter problems. A good picture might help us in assessing the condition of the part.

[Terry F.]

Re: Shifter question.

It is back in the car. Though everything feels better than before, it is not as nice a feel as I would like. It is somewhat difficult to feel the "H" pattern. Hard to tell what side of the "H" I am on. Thanks for the responce, Terry

[Terry F.]

Re: Shifter question.

Joe, are you aware of anyone that sells just that item? Thanks, Terry

[Joe L.]

Re: Shifter question.

Terry-----

GM used to but not for a long while. I don't know of a source for just this part in reproduction. Obviously, the part is still made since it's used in the shifter assemblies, but I don't know of its availability seperately. The 64-67 shifter lever and the 77-82 shifter lever are available seperately from many reproduction sources. However, I don't think that I've seen the 68-76. I don't know why, either.

[Terry F.]

Re: Shifter question.

Interesting. I will have to drag my paragon catalog out and see what they have available. I can live with it but would like to find a better one. Thanks, Terry

[Terry M.]

Re: Shifter question.

Joe,
I don't know if this information will provide a clue, but for quite a while the 1977-82 shift lever was the replacement for the 1968-1976 lever. Difference? About an inch - the 77-82 was longer. I should mention that I am not sure it was just the lever that was replaced. It might have been an assembly. I only am aware of the difference because a good interior judge will note that difference.

[Joe L.]

Re: Shifter question.

Terry-----

I believe that the 68-76 and 77-81 levers were interchangeable. However, the latter never officially superceded the earlier. The 68-76 lever, GM #3921638, was discontinued without supercession in January, 1989. The 77-81 lever, GM #378185, was discontinued without supercession in January, 1994.

As far as the lever ASSEMBLIES (i.e. complete shifter assembly) go, the 68-76 lever assembly, GM #3960609, was discontinued without supercession in May, 2000. The 77-80 shifter assembly, GM #378184, was discontinued in January, 1983 and was replaced by the 80-81 assembly, GM #14012405. The latter piece was discontinued without supercession in June, 1994.

I believe that the length of the lever was the only difference between the 68-76 and the 77-81 shifter assemblies. I think that the change was made due to the redesigned console for 1977.

[Terry M.]

Re: Shifter question.

Then I guess folks were using the 77-81 levers because that is what was available. Back when I was team leader, it was an item I looked for as a means of double checking my interior judges. Unlike most items in the interior, I could easily spot it from outside of the car. It was one of the items I used to keep the folks who judged for me up to speed. I would check for a deduct on the score sheet for the long lever, speak privately to the judge if there was no deduct, and praise them if they caught it.

[Jim T.]

Re: Shifter question.

Terry Volunteer Corvette Parts in Knoxville,TN sells shifters and shifter parts. You can check out the online catalog at www.volvette.com. Ordering online with them you get free shipping over $100.

[Terry F.]

Thanks, Terry *NM*

[Joe L.]

Re: Shifter question.

Jim and Terry-----

Yes, I do see that Volunteer Vette sells the 68-76 shifter lever. However, they sell the lever, alone, for $109.00. The complete shifter assembly is $189.00. For this price difference, I wouldn't even bother to try to replace just the lever. What if you do and you still end up with shifter operation which is not like new? It's not worth the chance. I'd replace the whole unit with a factory-assembled shifter.