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New corvette owner and I’m quickly finding out just how complicated these cars can be. I did look through the threads to see if this has been posted but with no luck. So all are aware I have a 69 4 speed manual.
my question is: I’m trying to refurb some of the interior and I cannot seem to figure out how to remove the shifter middle console and slide the boot off the shifter without removing the shift **** and t-handle. What I have read seems to indicate all I need to do is unscrew the shifter **** and slide the actuator up without losing the spring but the t-handle only slides up to a point and will not come off. Almost as if it wedges itself on the stick itself and won’t budge. At this point it’s sometimes hard to get it to move back down. Am I missing something?
Last edited by ammonraa; Dec 15, 2020 at 02:03 AM.
the T handle has a long thin rod that drops way down and keeps shifter from going into reverse. perhaps a burr on the end of the rod? perhaps the slot it rides in is pinched shut near the top or filled with crud and or corrosion?
should slide straight up and out.
Last edited by 4-vettes; Dec 15, 2020 at 03:11 AM.
the T handle has a long thin rod that drops way down and keeps shifter from going into reverse. perhaps a burr on the end of the rod? perhaps the slot it rides in is pinched shut near the top or filled with crud and or corrosion?
should slide straight up and out.
thanks. Maybe some powder graphite or PB will help. Just wanted to make sure nothing was going to break if I applied my old man strength to it.
Last edited by ammonraa; Dec 15, 2020 at 03:26 AM.
Shouldn't have to apply anything. Give it a good yank. I'll take mine off Wednesday and show you what it looks like on the other end. I work nights and Wednesday night is my first day off for the week.
Edit - Found a nice picture. See, nothing to it.
Last edited by theandies; Dec 15, 2020 at 03:47 AM.
Mine broke 20 some years ago. In the supermarket parking lot. I couldn't reverse. had to wait till the car parked in front of me left so I could get out and get home. back then I had to buy a complete shifter rebuild kit just to get the T handle. Nowadays you can buy just the T handle. I remember fishing out the rod with a slim telescoping magnet. I still have extra parts to this day.
" At this point it’s sometimes hard to get it to move back down. Am I missing something?"
The reason the t-handle won't go back down is for the simple fact that the transmission MUST be in neutral BEFORE you try to get the handle back down.....I KNOW cuz I'm replacing my shifter NOW, and I see exactly how the "reverse lockout" mechanism works.....I THINK [not real sure] the reason you're having a problem removing the t-handle is the fact that U don't have the tranny in NEUTRAL....cuz the internal rod is "pinched-in-place" by the mechanism if the tranny ISN'T in neutral!!
" At this point it’s sometimes hard to get it to move back down. Am I missing something?"
The reason the t-handle won't go back down is for the simple fact that the transmission MUST be in neutral BEFORE you try to get the handle back down.....I KNOW cuz I'm replacing my shifter NOW, and I see exactly how the "reverse lockout" mechanism works.....I THINK [not real sure] the reason you're having a problem removing the t-handle is the fact that U don't have the tranny in NEUTRAL....cuz the internal rod is "pinched-in-place" by the mechanism if the tranny ISN'T in neutral!!
wow. I didn’t even think about that. Thanks. I’ll be trying that.
" At this point it’s sometimes hard to get it to move back down. Am I missing something?"
The reason the t-handle won't go back down is for the simple fact that the transmission MUST be in neutral BEFORE you try to get the handle back down.....I KNOW cuz I'm replacing my shifter NOW, and I see exactly how the "reverse lockout" mechanism works.....I THINK [not real sure] the reason you're having a problem removing the t-handle is the fact that U don't have the tranny in NEUTRAL....cuz the internal rod is "pinched-in-place" by the mechanism if the tranny ISN'T in neutral!!
It can be in neutral or any other gear but reverse to get the handle to go down.
Did you get it out? I have a question, did you have issue pulling it up when going into reverse? If it works when shifting into reverse maybe try putting it into reverse and taking it out or you could pull it up like you are shifting into reverse, hold it up the remove the **** and pull it out. Like we said, it should just pull out without any effort at all.
Did you get it out? I have a question, did you have issue pulling it up when going into reverse? If it works when shifting into reverse maybe try putting it into reverse and taking it out or you could pull it up like you are shifting into reverse, hold it up the remove the **** and pull it out. Like we said, it should just pull out without any effort at all.
Because you asked, I went out and tried it. Once I was aware I wouldn’t break anything, I could put some nut on it and I was able to work it off. Seems the rod is either slightly warped. It may have some gunk in it as well. So it fought a little but having it out of reverse seemed to ease the process. So thanks for all the help folks.
T handle removal
