C2 - original 4 speed shifter install problem

[tigernut]

My 1966 had a aftermarket Mr. Gasket shifter installed.

I wanted to go back to original so I ordered the following from Paragon:

ITEM PART#
4 speed shifter - 1823
Bracket - 1930
Linkage Kit - 1918K


The problem is when the new shifter and levers are mounted, levers at neutral position, and the alignment pin for the shifter is in, the linkage rod adjustments have to be taken almost fully out (end of the linkage rod threads) to reach the lever holes.

I believe my problem lies in the fact that I purchased the wrong bracket. The bracket I purchased mounts to the trans crossmember and the years for it are L66-67

The bracket I think I need is 1828K, which covers the years 1964-E66.

I did notice that my crossmember is not drilled for one of the attaching screws for the late 66-67 bracket.

Has anyone done this before? It seems that the late bracket might actually move the shifter slightly to the rear causing the linkage rods to not be long enough, but this all seems strange.

Also, the levers contain two holes for the rod. Which one should be used? I can't tell in my assembly manual (upper or lower)?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Doug

[studiog]

Originally Posted by tigernut

My 1966 had a aftermarket Mr. Gasket shifter installed.

I wanted to go back to original so I ordered the following from Paragon:

ITEM PART#
4 speed shifter - 1823
Bracket - 1930
Linkage Kit - 1918K


The problem is when the new shifter and levers are mounted, levers at neutral position, and the alignment pin for the shifter is in, the linkage rod adjustments have to be taken almost fully out (end of the linkage rod threads) to reach the lever holes.

I believe my problem lies in the fact that I purchased the wrong bracket. The bracket I purchased mounts to the trans crossmember and the years for it are L66-67

The bracket I think I need is 1828K, which covers the years 1964-E66.

I did notice that my crossmember is not drilled for one of the attaching screws for the late 66-67 bracket.

Has anyone done this before? It seems that the late bracket might actually move the shifter slightly to the rear causing the linkage rods to not be long enough, but this all seems strange.

Also, the levers contain two holes for the rod. Which one should be used? I can't tell in my assembly manual (upper or lower)?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Doug

Hi Doug,
I can only help with the last part of your question. I believe you can use either hole in the levers. Using the lower holes will give you a shorter throw on your shift lever. The upper holes will give a longer throw. Short throw sounds great but requires a bit more effort for each shift, and a little more shifting fatigue in city driving. I,m sure you will get more replies soon. Good luck.

[tigernut]

Ok, stupid things happen when you work late into the night. Guess I can't read my assembly manual too well at midnight ;-)

I installed the 1-2 and 3-4 levers in the wrong direction (top part "bent" out to driver side of car). I just needed to flip them around, and the levers "tilt" more toward the back of the car, allowing alignment.

Thank you studiog on the lever hole question. Anyone have experience with using either and which one seemed to work best for you?

Tired in Texas.
Doug

tigernut - don't be too hard on yourself, you are probably the 10,000th mid-year owner who didn't get the shift linkage rods installed perfectly the first time . . . ask me how I know