72 BB car only goes in reverse
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
72 BB car only goes in reverse
My buddy just bought a 72 454 4 speed car. He drove it around the block and now it only drives uin reverse regardless of shifter position.
We of course are going to get under the car and check the linkage when we get from Carlisle, but any ideas? Has anyone seen this before?
Thanks!!
We of course are going to get under the car and check the linkage when we get from Carlisle, but any ideas? Has anyone seen this before?
Thanks!!
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,057
Likes: 421
From: BC
My buddy just bought a 72 454 4 speed car. He drove it around the block and now it only drives uin reverse regardless of shifter position.
We of course are going to get under the car and check the linkage when we get from Carlisle, but any ideas? Has anyone seen this before?
Thanks!!
We of course are going to get under the car and check the linkage when we get from Carlisle, but any ideas? Has anyone seen this before?
Thanks!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 93
From: Bellmore NY
Its going to be fairly obvious when you do finally get under there, but long story short, the car was shifted into reverse and that was the last time that the shifter conveyed any real information to the trans.
Either all the cotter pins fell out, or the mechanism inside of the shifter itself has broken.
Either all the cotter pins fell out, or the mechanism inside of the shifter itself has broken.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 13,018
Likes: 2,262
From: Corsicana, Tx
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Does it have a shift interlock deal to the column? I don't remember which year that started.
JIM
JIM
Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 518
Likes: 12
From: Panhandle
Adjusting the linkage correctly is an art you develop. Take your time, use the lockout tool and adjust the rod lengths. It is a PIA. Be sure to install the spring retainers correctly.
Do search on linkage adjustments.....plenty out there.
Good luck.
Do search on linkage adjustments.....plenty out there.
Good luck.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Could be it was just its time to lock up due to wear, etc. Or...your buddy could have made a very poor shift that locked up the linkage. 
Either way, it should be a simple fix, once you get under the car. If the linkage rods flop around when you wiggle them, you need new bushings and/or new pivot pieces.
Either way, it should be a simple fix, once you get under the car. If the linkage rods flop around when you wiggle them, you need new bushings and/or new pivot pieces.
Last edited by 7T1vette; Aug 26, 2017 at 02:20 AM.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 93
From: Bellmore NY
If that is the case, in some way, the shifter and the linkage are now operating independently.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 968
Likes: 122
From: Lighthouse Point FL
No. Used as part of ignition lock for steering wheel. Supposed to lock shifter in reverse on manual cars. Most were disconnected long ago. My car has the components but is disconnected as well.
