I have noticed the same thing on my 81. On one hand it makes it easier to push it back and forth when working on it. On the other hand I try to remember to use the e-brake.
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Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,758
Likes: 3
From: Surrey
Currently got the console apart on my '81 (to adjust the starter safety lockout switch thing) & there's nothing there to stop the shifter from being moved if the key is out, etc. Think that may have been some sort of anti-theft thing on earlier models & was considered redundant with the factory alarm fitted. That's just a guess 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 8,319
Likes: 7
From: Wilmington DE, Drive it like you stole it, 68 327 4 speed coupe
Originally Posted by Barry
I went through the same thing a few months back!
The 1981 can be shifted with the wheel locked and keys out.
Barry
The 1981 can be shifted with the wheel locked and keys out.
Barry
oh well
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,758
Likes: 3
From: Surrey
Originally Posted by sweethence
Hmm i thought there was some kind of interlock cable runing from the ingnition switch to the tranny on those later sharks......
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
I don't think anything would lock the shifter in the console area. On earlier models a cable from the steering wheel colum to the transmission locks the shifter.
The problem is, if you leave your car in gear, remove the key, your car could roll down the road, and that's what almost happen to me.
The problem is, if you leave your car in gear, remove the key, your car could roll down the road, and that's what almost happen to me.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by sweethence
Hmm i thought there was some kind of interlock cable runing from the ingnition switch to the tranny on those later sharks......
oh well
oh well
Do all 1981's work in this way? Maybe something in the transmission that should lock the shifter.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 564
Likes: 0
From: Riverview Florida
Just went and checked my '81 and durn, it DOES come out of park without the key in!!! I had never even thought of trying it before, just always turned the key when I wanted to move the shifter. Moving the car around in the garage will be alot easier now
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Kalway
I always stop, put it in park, then turn the key off. Why does it need to lock anyways? I always thought was handy that it didn't lock.
2. Since the shifter is not lock, a child could clime in to the car and move the shifter and next thing you know your car is headed down the road.
3. My 81 idles fast, so I like to turn the car off in gear.
If any other 81 owner would check this and let us know if the shifter will go in to gear with out the key turned.
Thanks, Hans
Last edited by 1981 corvette; Nov 30, 2006 at 11:38 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,363
Likes: 221
From: Beecher Illinois
Well, I can tell you that 78s and 79s don't have any shifter lockout, either for 4speed or automatic.
I remember my 69 GTO with 4speed. Linkage from the transmission connected to the steering column. When you put it in reverse a collar on the column inside the car turned. Without that collar turning you couldn't lock and remove the key.
I remember my 69 GTO with 4speed. Linkage from the transmission connected to the steering column. When you put it in reverse a collar on the column inside the car turned. Without that collar turning you couldn't lock and remove the key.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 8,295
Likes: 30
From: one night in Bangkok you are never lonely
Over here people park in front or behind parked cars so you leave the car in neutral so people can move the car out of the way to get out. Now of cause I don't park the Vette in these kind of parking areas but I would guess in its day it was. BTW the 4 speed don't lock when the key is removed. You do have to depress the clutch to start it(a good thing)
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 27
From: Eastern North Carolina
I have a 81 and after reading this post I gave it a try and sure enough the shifter does not lock. I recently had the console apart and don't remember seeing any type of cable or locking device. Does anyone know if the anti-theft was standard on 81's?
Last edited by Tim81; Dec 1, 2006 at 10:12 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,071
Likes: 0
From: San Diego CA
Originally Posted by Tim81
Great, I guess thats another area I need to start reading about. I don't think mine is working. 
It used to just randomly go off. 
It was hilarious... for the neighbors.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 27
From: Eastern North Carolina
Originally Posted by Kalway
Mine used to. Then it slowly started turning craptastic and now doesn't work. It used to just randomly go off. It was hilarious... for the neighbors.
It used to just randomly go off. It was hilarious... for the neighbors. 
