66 shifter removal

[Robert M.]

My 66 m20 shifter is dechroming(the chrome is chipping) on the shifter portion below the t-handle. I would like to remove it and have it rechromed. What is the best way to do this( I mean the easiest for a limited mechanic like myself)? I see there is a pin that runs parrellel to the transmission, is this the only pin I have to remove and then can I lift the shifter off the rod? I think I have to unscrew the knob and take the spring, t-handle and bushings before I attempt to remove the lower handle, is this the correct procedure? Thanks for any help in advance. Bob.

[William C.]

Re: 66 shifter removal

Would that it were that easy, but the shift lever is attached rather firmly to a housing that holds the selecter levers that actuate the tranny shift rods. Also, there were two mountings early cars had the shifter assembly mounted to the trans directly, while later models used a bracket attached to the frame crossmember to mount the shifter mechanism. In either case, you have to remove the shifter assembly (disconnect the rods, they can stay with the trans) in order to disassemble the shifting arms from the housing and remove the shift lever itself. Pretty obvious once it is out, take a couple of pictures along the way to aid in reassembly.

[Robert M.]

Re: 66 shifter removal

Thank you, I have a late car, build date May of 1966.

[William C.]

Re: 66 shifter removal

In that case, you will see a bracket attached to the frame crossmember, the shifter will be attached to the bracket.

[John H.]

Re: 66 shifter removal

Thank you, I have a late car, build date May of 1966.

Robert -

The following Assembly Manual references will show you how the shifter mechanism is mounted:

Section 6, sheet B6: Shows the shifter mounting bracket attached to the crossmember.

Section 7, sheet B2: Shows the shifter attachment to the mounting bracket.

Section M20, sheet A2: Shows the 4-speed linkage rods.

The shifter assembly is removed from below.

Photo below is an exploded diagram of the shifter mechanism; if you're going to go ahead with the project, PM or E-mail me and I'll send you a copy of my article from "Corvette Enthusiast" magazine on disassembly/rebuild/assembly of the shifter.

[Robert M.]

Re: 66 shifter removal

Thank you John. I think I will tackle it soon but I am doing about 10 other projects on the car right now and it's not as simple as I hoped. I will email you when I'm ready in a month or two.