Technical Help - F1 Trans

I have a 52 F1 top loader 3 speed... that I can't get into 1st or Reverse. I can shift it into 2nd & 3rd fine. During the build of my AV8, I had the shifter in/out multiple times... Any thoughts, suggestions?

 

Pic:

 

Bent shift fork, maybe? Mine has the exact same problem, that appears to be the culprit.

 

You sure both shift forks were in neutral when you dropped the stick in?

 

If both forks are together, measure the diameter of the hole in each fork and you may need to weld and grind on the ball at the end of the stick to match the worn holes. Also the slot in the side of the ball in the tower may need to be made a bit smaller and use a new hardened pin. Just take up some slop.

 

Thanks for the advice. I'm going to pull the top off and look for some of these possibilities.

 

You might want to consider beefing up those rear "bones" . Without the torque tube, all axle wrap has to be controlled by them and they were never designed for that. You could use a third link from the differential case running forward to the front of one of the bones or add a second tube to the top of each bone attached to the upper part of the axle housing, a bit like a 'ladder bar' style. There are threads that have discussed this previously. Nice chassis.....best wishes with your project.

 

I did add torque bars to them that are solid 3/4" bar stock with 1/4" plate. That prior pic was just in the early stages.

 

Those bars look hell for stout. Next time, use tube. Its much stronger that solid round stock. Yours look good for flathead power so long as the rear tires slip just a bit. Love the car!

 

Do you think I should reinforce more on the rear bones?