side shift conversion, bulkhead in tunnel interfering with shift rod Options

[bugsy0]

On my '71, there is a bulkhead about 18" behind the shifter inside the tunnel, with a hole in it for the shift rod to pass through. Now that I have converted to a side-shift trans, linkage and shifter, the hole in this bulkhead isn't big enough due to the fact that the new shift rod "swings" side to side. The tail shift rod doesn't "swing", it only rotates and needs little clearance. With the side shift rod & shifter, the bulkhead interferes with the rod in 1st/reverse. The hole needs to be opened up about 1/8".

Anybody else run into this? Suggestions? I could bend the rod (not going to happen) or cut open the tunnel (undesireable), but I'd like to hear what others have done.

Tom

[brant]

weird,

I haven't ever seen that problem before
I have converted tail shifts and did not have clearance issues
weird...

[bugsy0]

weird,

I haven't ever seen that problem before
I have converted tail shifts and did not have clearance issues
weird...

It only needs another 1/8" or so on the right side of the hole. It interferes only in 1st/reverse, but it makes a god-awful screetch when the rod slides along the edge of the hole.

It *is* weird because I wasn't able to locate any info via search and there is no means to adjust for clearance. Maybe this bulkhead wasn't welded in position correctly?? If I get desperate I'll cut open the tunnel but jeez, that would be a shame.

[etcmss]

in my recent restoration (to put in a side shift in a 71) Brad Mayeur provided some simple directions to enlarge the shift rod hole. it basically has you enlarge the hole on the passenger side to avoid contact. it worked for me. thanks to Brad.
Gary

[brant]

can you get a tool in there to push/pound the bulk head...

maybe gary will share Brad's directions.

[SirAndy]

The hole needs to be opened up about 1/8".
Anybody else run into this? Suggestions? I could bend the rod (not going to happen) or cut open the tunnel (undesireable), but I'd like to hear what others have done.

Something isn't right. I didn't have to do anything to that part when i went to a side-shifter.

Are you sure you got all the correct components and they're installed correctly?
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)

[SirAndy]

It *is* weird because I wasn't able to locate any info via search and there is no means to adjust for clearance. Maybe this bulkhead wasn't welded in position correctly?? If I get desperate I'll cut open the tunnel but jeez, that would be a shame.

Can't you move the shifter console a bit over to the right instead?
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

[bugsy0]

It *is* weird because I wasn't able to locate any info via search and there is no means to adjust for clearance. Maybe this bulkhead wasn't welded in position correctly?? If I get desperate I'll cut open the tunnel but jeez, that would be a shame.

Can't you move the shifter console a bit over to the right instead?
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

The shifter console does have room to move left/right about 1/16" but I need more and that would require cutting/welding. I agree - it doesn't seem right, but what could be wrong? I'm 99% sure my parts are correct: rod in the tunnel, external rod at trans, couplings, bushings, shifter. All parts are side-shift parts. I did use a conversion bushing at the firewall but that shouldn't affect it.

I cannot get a die grinder or other tool far enough in the tunnel - too tight (914s are FLAT cars). I'd need a dremel on a flexible head, which I don't have (and don't really want).

So nobody has seen this? hmm

[bugsy0]

Do the '73/later cars have this bulkhead? Is the shift console in the same exact location & position on tail vs. side shifters?

[SirAndy]

Do the '73/later cars have this bulkhead? Is the shift console in the same exact location & position on tail vs. side shifters?

Yes, they do and yes, it's the same shape.

Now, one thing i have seen in the past is that the divider with the hole has come lose (it's just spotwelded).

If one or more welds have broken off or if it got dinged when a PO was trying to fiddle the rod through, i could see how the rod could hit the metal.

Maybe you just need to give it a good whack to bend it back into shape ...
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[Dr Evil]

I am having trouble understanding what the problem is. The ring on the inside of the tunnel is taken out with the shifter when you convert to a side shifter. What part of yoru internal rod is hitting what? If you are using a shirt shift kit without the spacer you will have contact problems.

Otherwise, there should be no bulkhead contact.

You used the correct converting bushing at the firewall, yes?

[SirAndy]

I am having trouble understanding what the problem is.

No surprise there ... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

There's a small "bulkhead" inside the center tunnel about halfway between the shifter and the firewall.
It has a hole in it that the rod passes through.

His problem is that the rod is hitting the metal of the bulkhead when trying to get into 1st/reverse.


Thinking about it, i'm almost certain it's either bend or lose making contact with the rod.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

[Dr Evil]

Oh, that thing. Ya, it is not different from model to model so it may be loose.

[bugsy0]

It's hard to see it (have to use a mirror and bright light) but I believe the bulkhead is intact and unharmed. I think it was installed slightly out of position, and the issue didn't show up at the factory because it was 1970 and the side-shifter hadn't been developed. OK, so tonight I'm going to take it apart and dig deep for creative solutions. Rebuilt gearbox shifts sweet otherwise!

[bugsy0]

in my recent restoration (to put in a side shift in a 71) Brad Mayeur provided some simple directions to enlarge the shift rod hole. it basically has you enlarge the hole on the passenger side to avoid contact. it worked for me. thanks to Brad.
Gary

Thanks Gary, Brad. If you're out there please post your method for opening this hole. Something like a hole saw on a long-ass arbor, accessed from the firewall end?

[bugsy0]

For posterity, here's a pic of what I'm talking about. You are looking into a mirror, toward the rear of the car inside the tunnel. In the mirror image, you can see the shift rod passing through the bulkhead. Passenger side of the hole in this bulkhead needs to be opened to clear the rod when in 1st/reverse.

Thanks all for your input

[Dr Evil]

Nice pic, worth a thousand posts (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Are you sure your sifter was adjusted right on? A variance in this may cure your issue if it was not spot on.

[bugsy0]

Nice pic, worth a thousand posts (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Are you sure your sifter was adjusted right on? A variance in this may cure your issue if it was not spot on.

OK - we can put this one to bed. My son was able to get a small pneumatic die grinder inside the tunnel. We taped the trigger full-on, disconnected the air hose until he could get it into position and then I'd plug 'er in. He opened the hole artfully and the linkage is now free-and-clear front to back. He removed about 1/8" from the region between 8:00 and 11:00 if you were to look at the hole facing the rear of the car.

Re. the shifter being mis-adjusted - I've gotten better at this as I get a feel for what/how that whole mechanism wants to work. So, likely my original trouble was in part due to adjustment issues. Regardless I am confident that I needed to open that hole a bit.

BTW, those bands and teeth you sent shift like a dream - thanks!

[TargaToy]

Just my two cents...but has the clutch cable ever seized in the tube and damaged the firewall?

That happened on my car at some point before I owned it and the entire clutch tube was pulled forward inside the tunnel.

The tube is welded to the bulkhead you're wondering about. When the tube moves, the bulkhead moves.

Here's a pic from my car before I welded it back in place.

[Dr Evil]

Glad things worked out. It is hard to argue with results.