Shifter rebuild

Hurra912 · 01-12-2007, 05:02 AM

So I tore into my 5 speed last night to fix a problem with my shifter. Sometimes while driving, the stick can actually get wedged into 2nd gear or can't get into second gear. After doing a quick forum search, I concluded it must be the plastic bushing at the bottom of the shifter. When I pulled it apart last night I found that the bushing has already been replaced, but I did find what you see in the following pics. The gate looks pretty beat up. Could this be my problem? Or do I need to look further down the line to the linkage? Also, if anyone has some pointers on getting those springs back into place I am listening.

Thanks,
Wayne

JWest · 01-12-2007, 06:00 AM

Yes, that plate is a gonner. There is most likely a matching notch in the shifter stick that you must take care of also. Replace the plate, and have the stick welded and ground down.

For the springs, I position one end of the spring into place with the pin partly (maybe 1/3 of the way) installed through it. Then I bend the other end of the spring down into position and put a pin/rod/screwdriver into the hole from the other end. Don't try to compress the whole spring, let it remain bent up as you get the end in place. Now push the center bent "hump" of the spring down into place and slide the pin into position.

Hard to describe, but not too bad to perform.

Hurra912 · 01-12-2007, 06:13 AM

Thanks James.

Will I have to source this part from a salvaged car, or are they still available nos?

Wayne

JWest · 01-12-2007, 07:14 AM

The plate can be obtained from Pelican here.

JBO · 01-12-2007, 07:53 AM

Just go ahead and buy James' Rennshift and be done with it!! This is a good time to upgrade!

C4 Pazzo · 01-12-2007, 07:54 AM

You didn't mention if the plastic shift rod bushing had been replaced (p/n 914-424-224). Mine had disintegrated, requiring greater side-side throw, thus wearing down the stop plate just like yours. While you are in there, you might want to replace both springs (p/n 901-424-133), the thrust spring (p/n 914-424-131) and the two plastic guides for the thrust spring (p/n 901-424-135 and 901-424-133). All available from our host.
I recently replaced all this, along with the stop plate and the shift coupler bushings, and it made a world of difference.

Hurra912 · 01-12-2007, 08:08 AM

C4, All of the bushings up front look to be pretty new. I have only had the car a half a year, and it did get a partial restoration before I got it so I think the bushings were already addressed recently. I haven't looked at the linkage yet, but I am guessing it will be a different story.

Thanks,
Wayne

JWest · 01-12-2007, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by JBO
Just go ahead and buy James' Rennshift and be done with it!! This is a good time to upgrade!

Well, of course that would be the BEST solution!