Reverse Lockout stuck?
 

Having trouble in my '76 trying to get the car into reverse. From what I understand the key has to be turned up to the ACC position and or started. Only then can you pull the car out of reverse? Having trouble getting into reverse and out in random situations. It seems that when I try to put the car into reverse and pull up on the reverse lockout I can feel it click over but it won't go "up" into reverse. If I pull the car forward in 1st and then try to put it in reverse, that seems to work but it's finicky. Is my reverse lockout tab stuck?

Can someone post a picture explaining how the reverse exactly works? I have the service manual but the part that you pull up on isn't clearly illustrated in the manual.

I once had a similar problem. After much wrangling,Ii would eventually get the transmission into reverse. While having the trans rebuilt , I decided to rebuild the shifter and this is what I found.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...b73e24a4bf.jpg
The piece at the top was removed from the shifter. It is a gate to properely align the shifter handle with the pawl which is attached to the shif
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...de3a084aea.pngt linkage. This broken piece was able to obstruct the shifter handle as I tried to engage reverse.

Above is the disassembled shifter so you can see where that part goes.

Gene

Pulling up on the lockout handle simply allows the shifter to be moved all the way left so you can push it into reverse. If pulling up on your T-handle allows the shifter to move left through the reverse lockout gate (shown in above post) then it's working.
If you're having issues getting into/out of reverse have a look at the following things (simplest to hardest)
Have you checked that your transmission has enough gear oil? Low lubrication will prohibit gear changes esp at low/no speed.
Is your reverse lockout cable (runs from transmission to the steering column) in good working order - moves freely. You can disconnect from both ends and test.
Is your shifter properly aligned? If your shifter alignment leaves the transmission partially in a forward gear when you move the T-handle to go to reverse you'll have great difficulity. Signs of this: briefly put the car in 1st then easily slips into reverse afterward.
Is your shifter sloppy? Time for a rebuild, over time the shifter "box" or "cube" (see above post photo) that holds the gates gets stretched/expands and you get a sloppy shifter. Rebuild kits include a slightly wider reverse gate OR you can simply chuck the box in a vice and resquare it.

Are you aware with the engine running before shifting into reverse you must place the car in a forward gear and then into reverse? This is due to the lack of a reverse synchro. This procedure is listed in the 1969 owners manual and may be in yours also.

Good point - same for the 71 manual as well. :iagree:

Thank you everyone. Looking for the manual. Seems when the car is on flat ground it eases in like butter. Haven't had a chance to get under there and take a look. Starter failed last week so that's on my plate for now.