iwalkathinline

Howdy friends,

I'm in a bit of a pickle & hoping someone might be able to help... I upgraded my '78 Pace Car from the TH-350 to a 700r4 to give it overdrive (better gas mileage, etc.) It's all finished & running great, but my mechanic can't figure out how to install the needle that indicates which gear position the shifter is in. I ordered the part from Eckler's... http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...1977-1982.html... and their 'tech support' tells me that this is an OE replacement part so shouldn't be anything out of the ordinary. However, my mechanic is telling me that it seems there must be another piece, or something must be missing. Anyone experienced this? Maybe someone even has a factory assembly instruction manual that they would check for me? I'm at a loss, and appreciate any help.

Thanks team!

0Willcox Corvette

The needle slides in place and the tang on the side of the shifter moves it. The bracket 5 in the picture below, bolts to the side of the shifter and moves the needle forward and backwards.

0Willcox Corvette

Here is a better picture from our tech page. http://repairs.willcoxcorvette.com/

iwalkathinline

Hey thanks a lot for the diagram Willcox! It sounds like I might be missing the bracket itself... from what my mechanic has told me, we probably need some of the other parts (besides the needle itself) from your diagram. I looked on your website but don't see those parts - do you sell them? Also, just want to be sure... this will work even though my Vette now has overdrive (1, 2, 3, and D) right?

0Willcox Corvette

It's the same... check to make sure what you are missing then email me at support@Willcoxcorvette.com I'm sure I have all of it used. It's not available new. The bracket that bolts to the shifter handle is adjustable too...

-Willcox

76_vette_girl

Is it possible to retro fit the indicator pieces to earlier c3s like a 76?

0Willcox Corvette

Nope... the needle didn't show up until GM changed the shift console plate in 1977. I suppose you could change everything including the center dash bezel (to one from a 77), shifter plate, side panels (you'd need to weld in brackets), and the rear parking brake cover and braket.... and you could, that would be a ton of work.

Willcox

7T1vette

Did the shift detent plate get replaced with one for the overdrive trans swap? Or did the additional notch get ground into the existing detent plate? If not, you won't be able to get your shifter into the new "Low" position, anyway.

Do some research and you can easily form that new notch in your existing detent plate. Then you can place the shifter in all positions.

Haggisbash

Not without making a lot of changes as has been mentioned, there is another option though if originality is not an issue, you can get an aftermarket kit that will allow you to have a row of LED indicators in the console or elsewhere to show gear position, Dakota digital are one manufacturer of these.
My Vette came with a PO installed set of numbered indicators (also illuminated) but these are no good now as I have converted to a four speed auto. At some stage I am going to adapt the Dakota system in place of them.

76_vette_girl

I dont care about originality but more about functionality. thanks for the info...

seems like you could simply change the console plate and add the bracket since very little changed from 76 to 77 but guess not

76_vette_girl

the dakota digital stuff is pretty sweet.. seems like a pretty easy install too so long as you can get under the car... WHICH I CAN.. YEAH!!

7T1vette

You still need an "additional" detent location for the shifter to find "1st range".

Haggisbash

Correct, I managed to add this using a grinder without removing the shifter from the car.

7T1vette