Shifter Indicator Needle Installation
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Keller Texas
Shifter Indicator Needle Installation
Howdy friends,
I'm in a bit of a pickle & hoping someone might be able to help... I upgraded my '78 Pace Car from the TH-350 to a 700r4 to give it overdrive (better gas mileage, etc.) It's all finished & running great, but my mechanic can't figure out how to install the needle that indicates which gear position the shifter is in. I ordered the part from Eckler's... http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...1977-1982.html... and their 'tech support' tells me that this is an OE replacement part so shouldn't be anything out of the ordinary. However, my mechanic is telling me that it seems there must be another piece, or something must be missing. Anyone experienced this? Maybe someone even has a factory assembly instruction manual that they would check for me? I'm at a loss, and appreciate any help.
Thanks team!
I'm in a bit of a pickle & hoping someone might be able to help... I upgraded my '78 Pace Car from the TH-350 to a 700r4 to give it overdrive (better gas mileage, etc.) It's all finished & running great, but my mechanic can't figure out how to install the needle that indicates which gear position the shifter is in. I ordered the part from Eckler's... http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...1977-1982.html... and their 'tech support' tells me that this is an OE replacement part so shouldn't be anything out of the ordinary. However, my mechanic is telling me that it seems there must be another piece, or something must be missing. Anyone experienced this? Maybe someone even has a factory assembly instruction manual that they would check for me? I'm at a loss, and appreciate any help.
Thanks team!
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,851
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
The needle slides in place and the tang on the side of the shifter moves it. The bracket 5 in the picture below, bolts to the side of the shifter and moves the needle forward and backwards.
Last edited by Willcox Corvette; Oct 13, 2015 at 05:06 PM.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,851
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Keller Texas
Hey thanks a lot for the diagram Willcox! It sounds like I might be missing the bracket itself... from what my mechanic has told me, we probably need some of the other parts (besides the needle itself) from your diagram. I looked on your website but don't see those parts - do you sell them? Also, just want to be sure... this will work even though my Vette now has overdrive (1, 2, 3, and D) right?
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,851
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
It's the same... check to make sure what you are missing then email me at support@Willcoxcorvette.com I'm sure I have all of it used. It's not available new. The bracket that bolts to the shifter handle is adjustable too...
-Willcox
-Willcox
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,851
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Willcox
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
Did the shift detent plate get replaced with one for the overdrive trans swap? Or did the additional notch get ground into the existing detent plate? If not, you won't be able to get your shifter into the new "Low" position, anyway.
Do some research and you can easily form that new notch in your existing detent plate. Then you can place the shifter in all positions.
Do some research and you can easily form that new notch in your existing detent plate. Then you can place the shifter in all positions.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 273
From: Dunedin NZ.
My Vette came with a PO installed set of numbered indicators (also illuminated) but these are no good now as I have converted to a four speed auto. At some stage I am going to adapt the Dakota system in place of them.
Instructor
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 166
Likes: 50
From: Atlanta, GA
I dont care about originality but more about functionality. thanks for the info...
seems like you could simply change the console plate and add the bracket since very little changed from 76 to 77 but guess not
seems like you could simply change the console plate and add the bracket since very little changed from 76 to 77 but guess not
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 273
From: Dunedin NZ.