Reverse lockout Cable Bending--Correct Length 31 inches?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 8
From: Illinois
Reverse lockout Cable Bending--Correct Length 31 inches?
My 1971 reverse lockout cable is bending by the reverse lever. The cable is brand new and everything slides easily. I'm wondering if I got a bad cable from the xxx parts house. I read that the cable is supposed to be 31 inches long. My cable is 31 11/16 inches long. Does anyone if these cables are normalyl exactly 31 inches long. Is the automatic transmission lockout cable longer? Could they have sent the wrong cable. I'm open to an suggestions
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 5,254
Likes: 768
From: Waterford WI
There is a significant difference in length between 4-speed and automatic. If you have one of each, you'll be able to tell right away. Much more difference than 11/16, and automatic is a lot shorter.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,057
Likes: 421
From: BC
I read your other thread on this. The cable might be bending down by the reverse lever but the problem can be at the lever on the column at the firewall. Check the lever on the firewall for free movement as it's binding somewhere. Just because the cable is bending and kinking by the transmission doesn't mean that is where the problem is. The problem can be at either end of the cable and it's just kinking at the weakest point. Look carefully at the lever off the column for free and total movement.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 6,400
Likes: 1,227
From: Tampa Florida
I replaced the lockout cable on my '71 4 speed a few months ago. I still have the factory cable and just measured it. Tip to tip it measures 31 1/2". I also measured from the snap ring to snap ring groove on the sheathing and it measures 24 1/8".
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,303
Likes: 4,391
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi ,
The cable when hooked up at both ends should only be moved by using the shifter to move the reverse lever on the transmission.
The cable can't be used to move the reverse lever.
How was the cable hooked up and what were you moving when you bent the cable?
Regards,
Alan
The cable when hooked up at both ends should only be moved by using the shifter to move the reverse lever on the transmission.
The cable can't be used to move the reverse lever.
How was the cable hooked up and what were you moving when you bent the cable?
Regards,
Alan
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,317
Likes: 164
From: Broadview hts Ohio
IMHO the lockout is a poor design. I have seen broken and bent cables at the transmission. I have an issue with this right now on one of my cars and once you bend the cable it tends to want to keep re-bending as it becomes weak.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 6,400
Likes: 1,227
From: Tampa Florida
So, how often do owners oil/lube their lockout cables?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 8
From: Illinois
Solved the problem. All I had to do was loosen the 2 bolts under the dash that hold the plate where the steering end of the reverse lockout cable attaches and adjust it downward to basically shorten the cable and then re-tighten the bolts. Now everything works great--reverse and steering column lock both work.