1971 Shifter-Interlock System Question??
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 8
From: Illinois
1971 Shifter-Interlock System Question??
I have been having problems getting the shifter to go into reverse. I replaced the cable and adjusted the transmission shifter linkage. Still can't get it fully into reverse. The cable lifts the column lever about halfway and then hangsup.
Heres my question: How hard is it to manually rotate the column lever when the cable is not attached? I can not rotate by hand--I have to place a piece of rope around it before I can have enough strength/leverage to elevate it fully and that puts it in reverse. I'm thinking maybe I need to lubricate or do something to the steering column since the cable moves freely.
Thank you for your input and help.
Heres my question: How hard is it to manually rotate the column lever when the cable is not attached? I can not rotate by hand--I have to place a piece of rope around it before I can have enough strength/leverage to elevate it fully and that puts it in reverse. I'm thinking maybe I need to lubricate or do something to the steering column since the cable moves freely.
Thank you for your input and help.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,753
From: Charlotte NC
IF the key is on....then the lever should move rather freely. IF it does not...then it has to do with the grease at the top of the mast jacket tube area deep inside the steering column.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 8
From: Illinois
The column lever may be harder to move than normal but not that hard. The cable by the transmission reverse lever was flexing so I ground down a slotted steel tension spring pin 1/4 inch in diameter until it fit as far as possible into the reverse cable housing. It popped over the cable and I glued it with super glue. Now when the last inch of the cable hits the tubing it can't flex and stays striaght pushing the cable into the housing and allowing the shifter to go into reverse. My other option was to pull the steering colomn AGAIN and regrease it ( I had already done this, replaced the bearings, etc) and no way was I going to do that a second time. There are usually simple solutions to simple problems. Thanks for everyones input.
