Reverse Lock Out
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 32
Likes: 1
From: Chapin SC
Reverse Lock Out
I hope you guys can help me. It seems every time I take my 65 in for some type of sevice/repair at the same shop; when I pick it up, the reverse lock out doesn't work. It seems the ham-fisted tech. is just forcing it into reverse without using the T handle. After driving it for a while, it seems to fix itself! My question is: Do I need to order a shifter repair kit?? Will a new spring and rod help?? Thanks in advance and have a great Thanksgiving today..
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 32
Likes: 1
From: Chapin SC
It will go into reverse without using the T handle; then, after a while, it will go back to normal which means you have to use the T handle to get it into reverse...I'm wondering if the spring is weak or if the rod is worn or broken...
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 411
Likes: 3
From: New Jersey
Shifter
Mizmaryann- I will be interested in the replies you get to this post also. I have a '64 Muncie and the bottom of the rod [ last 3/4"] would bend real easy, on long rides I would have to pull up the rod, straighten out the rod with my Leatherman tool and reinstall it, I gave it a lot of thought and I decided the last 3/4" must have had metal fatigue and ordered a new " T " handle with a new rod on it from Long Island Corvette Supply , Trouble is I haven't used the Vette too much since I installed the new Handle & rod to see if the problem was corrected.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,576
Likes: 118
From: Conroe Texas
The small rod that serves as the actual lock-out mechanism could be loose within the T-handle assembly. Lift the handle a certain way, the rod slides up and gets stuck in the up position even though the T handle is back down in the normal spot.
It's really easy to unscrew the shift **** and remove the T-handle with attached rod. This would allow you to check the condition of the spring and the rod.
It's really easy to unscrew the shift **** and remove the T-handle with attached rod. This would allow you to check the condition of the spring and the rod.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,424
Likes: 619
From: northern CA
Seems kinda funny that the reverse lockout goes back to 'normal', with use. If forced the sliding rod itself gets bent over at its bottom end and usually stays bent. This will allow the shifter to move into the reverse gate.
With a worn shifter this might also allow both the first and reverse gear shift levers to move into position at the same time. Now the tranny's locked up! .. You can usually bring back to neutral one of the gears, but not both. Then it's underneath the car to manually force errant shift arm back where it needs to be. I used to be better at this when I was younger .. . .
If you can pull out the reverse rod you can straighten it out but with use it seems that once these rods become bent it becomes easier for the rod to bend over the next time.
I finally got a slightly thicker (in diameter) hardware store stainless steel rod and used it to replace the stock thinner one. Once fitted - no more problems. ..
With a worn shifter this might also allow both the first and reverse gear shift levers to move into position at the same time. Now the tranny's locked up! .. You can usually bring back to neutral one of the gears, but not both. Then it's underneath the car to manually force errant shift arm back where it needs to be. I used to be better at this when I was younger .. . .
If you can pull out the reverse rod you can straighten it out but with use it seems that once these rods become bent it becomes easier for the rod to bend over the next time.
I finally got a slightly thicker (in diameter) hardware store stainless steel rod and used it to replace the stock thinner one. Once fitted - no more problems. ..
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 26,118
Likes: 1,874
From: Greenville, Indiana
The early '64 T handles had a set screw that locked the rod in the handle and set the height adjustment. If that's the type you have, the set screw is probably loose and letting the rod slip. You can tighten the set screw to fix it.
If you have the later design, the set screw was eliminated. The end of the rod went through the handle, was bent over and trimmed to length. The spring shoved down on top of the bent over rod and the top of the handle.
Either way, you should be able to see what's wrong if you inscrew the ****. I know you said you have a '65 but that doesn't mean you don't have the earlier T handle.
If the problem is not in the handle, your blocker pin might be broken or bent.
If you have the later design, the set screw was eliminated. The end of the rod went through the handle, was bent over and trimmed to length. The spring shoved down on top of the bent over rod and the top of the handle.
Either way, you should be able to see what's wrong if you inscrew the ****. I know you said you have a '65 but that doesn't mean you don't have the earlier T handle.
If the problem is not in the handle, your blocker pin might be broken or bent.
Last edited by MikeM; Nov 22, 2007 at 02:11 PM.
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Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 38,897
Likes: 1,926
From: Washington Michigan
Here's the bottom of a stock shifter, showing the end of the rod from the T-handle protruding from the bottom of the lever; the screw in the side of the housing was adjusted for length and welded so it wouldn't move, to establish the side of the 3-4 gate. When you lift the T-handle, the rod retracts and allows the bottom of the lever to move fully to the right (with the top of the lever fully to the left) so the "foot" on the lever can engage the slot in the reverse lever. 
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
I think the reverse lockout rod is sticking in the "up" position. I believe I used to have that problem with my old shifter as well. Just unscrew the ball and take a look at the pieces. Perhaps you just need a little WD40?
Paul
Paul
