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Reverse Lock Out Problem

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Old Apr 2, 2010 | 12:07 PM
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Default Reverse Lock Out Problem

I have the factory original 4-speed tranny in my '64. I can shift into reverse without engaging the shifter release. Otherwise, the transmission shifts fine. Is this an easy fix? If not, is there a transmission expert you could recommend in the Richmond, VA area? Thanks, Todd
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Old Apr 2, 2010 | 12:10 PM
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Originally Posted by midaoutlaw
I have the factory original 4-speed tranny in my '64. I can shift into reverse without engaging the shifter release. Otherwise, the transmission shifts fine. Is this an easy fix? If not, is there a transmission expert you could recommend in the Richmond, VA area? Thanks, Todd
That's a function of the shifter itself - has nothing to do with the transmission. Do you have the original factory shifter, or a Hurst with the bolt-on look-alike factory-style lever?

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Old Apr 2, 2010 | 04:18 PM
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If you have the factory shifter, take the **** off and look at the T-handle. The lockout is a piece of wire held in by a set screw. If that's loosened up and the wire has slid up, it's like the T-handle is pulled up all the time.
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Old Apr 2, 2010 | 04:44 PM
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Thanks, I'll take a look at it tonight.
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Old Apr 2, 2010 | 05:07 PM
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Originally Posted by LB66383
If you have the factory shifter, take the **** off and look at the T-handle. The lockout is a piece of wire held in by a set screw. If that's loosened up and the wire has slid up, it's like the T-handle is pulled up all the time.
Here's a photo of my 65 T-handle with the wire. If the wire is a little shorter than it's supposed to be, or has slide up, then you won't have the reverse lockout function. My particular wire is mostly covered in shrink tubing, in a failed attempt to address some rattling, before I learned that I need an "O" ring for that.

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Old Apr 3, 2010 | 01:27 PM
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Here's what the bottom end of that lockout rod looks like, and the screw it bears against that keeps the lever from going into the reverse gate unless you pull up on the T-handle, raising the rod clear of the screw.
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Old Apr 3, 2010 | 03:06 PM
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Originally Posted by LB66383
If you have the factory shifter, take the **** off and look at the T-handle. The lockout is a piece of wire held in by a set screw. If that's loosened up and the wire has slid up, it's like the T-handle is pulled up all the time.
Thanks, this was the problem. I dropped the wire a .25 inch and it works great. I appreciate everyones help. Todd
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Old Apr 3, 2010 | 07:55 PM
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I recall that I had that problem with my 66, and fixed it by welding some brass on the end of the rod and grinding it down to the right length. The rod wears through after years of use.
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