Interlock Cable
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 374
Likes: 21
From: Charleston SC
Interlock Cable
I usually don't gripe about how our cars are made, but IMHO the reverse interlock cable could have been designed a little better. First of all, can't believe it was the first thing attached to the vehicle and the rest of the car was built around it. Second: Pushing something with a rope never has worked real well. Apparently mine kinked up around the trans end, causing the shift lever to instantly pop out of gear and unable to get the key out of the ignition switch. After spending about 2 hours doing a 10 minute job (not the first time), finally removed the cable. Two questions: (1) Is the $50 cable that much better than the $20 one? and (B) Anyone have an example of why you need the cable in the first place? Hoping everyone has a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Brgds, Bill
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
?.....number 2, I believe it is necessary as it might be able to start in any gear....I may have similar problem in my El Camino right now....
?.....number 1....depends, if you want to pay 50 bucks for a $20 dollar cable, Its up to you
Anyway, Merry Christmas
?.....number 1....depends, if you want to pay 50 bucks for a $20 dollar cable, Its up to you
Anyway, Merry Christmas
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 374
Likes: 21
From: Charleston SC
(1) I was wondering if anybody had used the cheaper one and if it has held up as good as/better than the original.
Merry Christmas to all, Bill
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,753
From: Charlotte NC
OBVIOUSLY the cable is there so you HAVE TO put the shifter in REVERSE to get the key out of the ignition switch...if it is all correct and the key just does not come out when running.
The lever on the steering column that the cable attaches to is what moves so the key will come out...as you know..
I have numerous customers whose cables have been detached at the column lever and it wired up so the key will come out as designed because they do not care about it.
I can not say if there is a quality issue between the two cables....sorry for no info on that. But I would choose the cable that had the largest diameter cable.
If you install a new cable...I remove the rubber boots and seriously lube it with anti-seize compound and put the rubber boots back on.....the same thing I do with new park brake cables.
DUB
The lever on the steering column that the cable attaches to is what moves so the key will come out...as you know..
I have numerous customers whose cables have been detached at the column lever and it wired up so the key will come out as designed because they do not care about it.
I can not say if there is a quality issue between the two cables....sorry for no info on that. But I would choose the cable that had the largest diameter cable.
If you install a new cable...I remove the rubber boots and seriously lube it with anti-seize compound and put the rubber boots back on.....the same thing I do with new park brake cables.
DUB
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,110
Likes: 4,173
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi,
If I remember correctly there was a thread recently about someone having a problem with the operation of the cable... "pushing a rope"… and it turned out the forward bracket on the transmission that aligns the cable with the shifter lever was missing.
Regards,
Alan
If I remember correctly there was a thread recently about someone having a problem with the operation of the cable... "pushing a rope"… and it turned out the forward bracket on the transmission that aligns the cable with the shifter lever was missing.
Regards,
Alan
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 374
Likes: 21
From: Charleston SC
Back to the original subject: Both brackets are in place. I think what has happened over the years is rust. My car has never been a show car. It's been rode hard and put away wet, altho not so much in the past few years. I'm surprised it is in as good a shape as it is. The engine end of the cable is a bit corroded. That hindered travel and caused the trans end to kink. I guess I'll get the original style, lube the cable (thanks, Dub) and press on. The key falling out is a good point also. Thanks for the replies and Happy Holidays to all. Bill
Last edited by Billem; Dec 25, 2014 at 12:28 PM.
