Stock shifter hits console
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 396
Likes: 3
From: Buffalo New York
Stock shifter hits console
The stock shifter in my '76 hits the front of the console in first and third gear. Straight up in neutral, there is a 1 1/2" gap to the front edge of the opening, and 3" gap to the rear edge of the shifter opening. The console is seated into the 2 bolts on the gauge cluster, which is pushed back as far as it could go. I see no way to adjust anything. The shifter arms were installed correctly. The only thing I can think of is to remove the rear radio support, which might allow me to push the gauge cluster back a little. I only need about 1/4" to clear the console.
Last edited by billsfan; Mar 12, 2013 at 03:57 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,230
Likes: 4,324
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi bf,
After you take a look at the shift levers as Mel suggestions... is the fit between the rear of the shifter console and the e-brake console typical?
That might give you a clue as to whether the gauge cluster bezel is in the right place.
It's pretty easy to end up with the gauge cluster not quite in the right place.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
After you take a look at the shift levers as Mel suggestions... is the fit between the rear of the shifter console and the e-brake console typical?
That might give you a clue as to whether the gauge cluster bezel is in the right place.
It's pretty easy to end up with the gauge cluster not quite in the right place.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 396
Likes: 3
From: Buffalo New York
Alan, The e-brake console is a tight fit. I've had the whole interior out in the past, including the whole dash. I don't recall if the shifter hit before I did that work. The only thing that secures the bottom of the gauge cluster is the radio support. I may try to remove that support and move the gauge cluster forward a little.
Mel, I don't recall having a second set of holes in the linkage, but it is stock linkage.
Mel, I don't recall having a second set of holes in the linkage, but it is stock linkage.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,886
Likes: 9
If you look at the shifter bracket, where it fastens on to the rear transmission mount, there are two bolts on the horizontal suface that hold down the front of the bracket. You can remove those two bolts (loosen the rear bolts a bit for now) and shim the front of the bracket up with washers. You may need longer bolts to do this. It will rotate the entire shift handle upwards and rearwards, and away from the front of the console.
You will have to slightly readjust all three shift lever rods when you are done.
I did this at the same time I shortened the throw, and for me, it's a much better fit.
You will have to slightly readjust all three shift lever rods when you are done.
I did this at the same time I shortened the throw, and for me, it's a much better fit.
Last edited by gcusmano74; Mar 12, 2013 at 08:55 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,125
Likes: 9
From: Crescent City, CA
If you look at the shifter bracket, where it fastens on to the rear transmission mount, there are two bolts on the horizontal suface that hold down the front of the bracket. You can remove those two bolts (loosen the rear bolts a bit for now) and shim the front of the bracket up with washers. You may need longer bolts to do this. It will rotate the entire shift handle upwards and rearwards, and away from the front of the console.
You will have to slightly readjust all three shift lever rods when you are done.
I did this at the same time I shortened the throw, and for me, it's a much better fit.
You will have to slightly readjust all three shift lever rods when you are done.
I did this at the same time I shortened the throw, and for me, it's a much better fit.
Hope this helps.
Terry
Safety Car
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,751
Likes: 720
From: Lafayette Louisiana
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,652
Likes: 49
From: Bridgewater nj
The stock shifter was always loose and sloppy after 50,000 miles. I would look for warn linkage pins and holes. I had to weld and grind 2 rods on my 74. I cut the shifter throw down almost an inch.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 396
Likes: 3
From: Buffalo New York
Actually, I rebuilt it with a shifter kit from Zip a few years ago. I used the thick spacer. It's nice and tight and shifts great. Scraped off 30 years of of Chevy's patented rust prevention system!