69 4 Speed Issue

[Salvatore I.]

There is a cable that is currently disconnected at the transmission on my 69 BB. It appears that this cable should be connected to the reverse gear rod and then runs up to a junction and connects into the dash area.

Can anyone tell me what this cable is for? The car operates normally and is able to shift into all 4 gears and reverse with no issue. If I shift the car into reverse gear, I can almost get the cable to connect to this rod at the side of the transmission. The rod also has a hole through it so I assume that there should be some kind of cotter- or hair-pin located there....

Please advise, if anyone knows what I am talking about! Thanks!

[Terry M.]

Re: 69 4 Speed Issue

Sal,
Do you have to put the gearshift into reverse to remove the ignition key? My guess is that you do not, but your car should work that way.
That is likely the reverse gear lock-out cable, and it is designed to force the driver to place the gearshift in Reverse in order to remove the ignition key. Once those cables kink, they will never again work right. Bubba just disconnects the cable, and life goes on. The real cure is to replace the cable. The cable used to be available from Chevrolet, but I have not had to deal with one for years, so see what others say in this thread. They may still be available since it is a common failure item. If you are able to get a replacement, before you install it apply anti-seize to the exposed cable and work as much of it into the sheath as you can. If you keep your car long enough, you will be back there again.

[Stephen B.]

Re: 69 4 Speed Issue

that cable is for the key lock out it makes it so the key can only be removed when in reverse the cable may be frozen or stiff and it would not rotate the collar on the steering column to make the key lock out work you could try to lube and adjust it but it may be junk after all of these yesars Steve

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 4 Speed Issue

Terry and Sal-----

The cable for 4 speed cars, GM #3949074, is now discontinued. However, it is available in reproduction.

[Salvatore I.]

Re: 69 4 Speed Issue

Thanks to everyone for the feedback...now know what I have to do...

[Mark #28455]

check the steering column too

My 1969 was missing the cable. I installed a new one and within a week it was kinked and ruined! Now I know, the reason it was originally removed was because the steering column mechanism was all gummed up and wouldn't move freely.

Before you attach your new cable, verify the mechanism in the column moves easily!

Good luck,
Mark