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1969 Corvette BB 4 speed won't down shift

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Old Sep 16, 2015 | 01:08 PM
  #1  
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Default 1969 Corvette BB 4 speed won't down shift

Could use your help please
Have had a lot of work performed.
Car shifts 1 through 4 fine.
Will not down shift from 4th to 3rd.
Only way to get to 3rd is, go to 2nd then to third.
Not cool to do it that way.
First time it's been driven since 85.
New std clutch was installed.
Removed HD clutch.

Thanks for all your input.
Max

Last edited by mrh747; Sep 17, 2015 at 08:46 AM.
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Old Sep 16, 2015 | 03:22 PM
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Is it the linkage-that is, does it jam and not shift? Or do the gears grind? First problem is a loose or mis-adjusted linkage. Second may be syncros, which means a removal and rebuild. The fact that is upshifts smoothly makes me think it's the first-lucky you!
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Old Sep 16, 2015 | 03:47 PM
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sounds like linkage, make sure the bolts that hold the levers onto the shift shafts arent loose.
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Old Sep 16, 2015 | 05:46 PM
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Originally Posted by jnb5101
Is it the linkage-that is, does it jam and not shift? Or do the gears grind? First problem is a loose or mis-adjusted linkage. Second may be syncros, which means a removal and rebuild. The fact that is upshifts smoothly makes me think it's the first-lucky you!

It does not grind.
It does nay jam.
Problem, no hoist to get under car to perform test.
Have to figure that out.
Thanks for your input.
I need to figure out how to put its pic on my site.
It is cool, RED ON RED convertible
So you can see it.
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Old Sep 16, 2015 | 05:54 PM
  #5  
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what kind of heavy duty clutch did you remove?,hope it wasn't an MA6.
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Old Sep 16, 2015 | 08:56 PM
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reason why
it won't down
shift is that
the linkage
is out of wack
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Old Sep 17, 2015 | 07:50 AM
  #7  
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Originally Posted by LT-1 kid
reason why
it won't down
shift is that
the linkage
is out of wack
nice haiku...
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Old Sep 17, 2015 | 08:40 AM
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Originally Posted by blue427
what kind of heavy duty clutch did you remove?,hope it wasn't an MA6.
Thanks for your input.
I am not real knowledgeable on spec
The person that changed it out, said it was old style HD 11 inch clutch.
I have pictures of it, I could send, if you would like to see it.
I plan on selling some of the old parts removed.
Thanks
Max
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Old Sep 17, 2015 | 03:47 PM
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Make sure clutch linkage is adjusted so it disengages completely. You should have a little free play on top. You shouldnt hafta go all the way to the floor to put it in gear.
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Old Sep 17, 2015 | 05:04 PM
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Originally Posted by derekderek
Make sure clutch linkage is adjusted so it disengages completely. You should have a little free play on top. You shouldnt hafta go all the way to the floor to put it in gear.
Thanks for you response.
Haven't driven a stick for a while.
Seems like a lot of play at the top, from what I remember.
Will adjust that first.
Thanks again
Max
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Old Sep 17, 2015 | 06:16 PM
  #11  
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so you need to adjust the pushrod longer between the pivot and the bell housing.
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Old Sep 17, 2015 | 06:55 PM
  #12  
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Originally Posted by derekderek
so you need to adjust the pushrod longer between the pivot and the bell housing.



Thank you very much.
I will try that, will have to get her on a hoist or ramp.
Thanks again
Max
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Old Sep 17, 2015 | 07:53 PM
  #13  
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Originally Posted by mrh747
Thank you very much.
I will try that, will have to get her on a hoist or ramp.
Thanks again
Max
The clutch rod between the Z-bar and the bell housing is not adjustable on your 69. Lengthen the top rod between the Z-bar and the clutch pedal. It is done from the top and can be seen just below and slightly to the left of your master cylinder. You can do it from under the hood.
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Old Sep 17, 2015 | 11:03 PM
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Either a worn linkage (or out of adjustment) problem or worn syncronizer inside the box. Replace worn plastic linkage bushings and/or worn pivot pieces/rods and see how it reacts. If 'no joy', you need a trans repair/rebuild.
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Old Sep 21, 2015 | 04:12 PM
  #15  
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Originally Posted by CanadaGrant
The clutch rod between the Z-bar and the bell housing is not adjustable on your 69. Lengthen the top rod between the Z-bar and the clutch pedal. It is done from the top and can be seen just below and slightly to the left of your master cylinder. You can do it from under the hood.
Thanks for your input
That makes things a little more convenient to work on.
Thanks again
Max
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