Just picked up a cool 55 the other day. The car runs but we are having problems shifting the manual into 1st and reverse. It doesn't want to pull back, just up and down. Any suggestions?
More pics, more info on drivetrain, more info on setup of the car. Does your gearbox have external shifter rods? Is it a three on tree, or is it a floor shifter? Does it take top/third or forth? Does it grind teeth, or do you get resistance? Can you put it in with the car not running and clutch down? Are you familiar with shifting a manual? Is your clutch up to spec? I ask these questions with the upmost respect, but some one got to ask them, so it will be possible too help you out!
There is a gate between the two levers under the hood. These must align to work. In the shift collar up top you also have a slot that the shift tube can slide in. Lack of lube would cause this not to slide. Check alignment under the hood first.
yes external shifter rods, three on the tree. I have resistance in the shifter to shift towards me allowing it to shift into first or reverse. yes I am familiar with shifting a manual but this is the first three speed I have worked on I only have 4 speed manuals. Sorry for the lack of info lol.
There's a tube inside the column that moves up and down with the shift lever to select the desired lever. Sounds like it's stuck for some reason I would try WD on top and bottom. Here's some pictures.
The Jalopy Journal
