1975 Possible Stop Plate Issue, Potential Shifting Issue Options

[ballsyfacts914]

Hi All,

Hope everyone is staying safe!

I recently had an issue where my shifting rod came apart while driving, luckily it was at a stop light and I was able to get out of traffic easily and safely. However, this required a tow and a trip to the mechanic....obviously.

Before this, my shifting had always been a little troublesome so I had gotten into the habit of being very mindful of my shifting, not shifting too fast or abruptly. After getting the car back from the mechanic, the shifting was the best it had ever been, however, I noticed the function of the stop plate was nowhere near what it had previously been (non-existent as if it wasn't a part of the shift assembly). This wasn't a big concern to me though as the shifting was near perfect, the only real issue was I would nick reverse from time to time going from first to second.

Before this, I had been looking for a more experienced 914 mechanic and when I did take the car into the new mechanic he mentioned the shifting was not like a 914. At the time I didn't want any adjustments made but now I am starting to think I should. As mentioned, the stop plate is there but there is no obvious feel of it being there. In fact, even when I really pull the shifter to the left there is barely any give as one would expect. Other than nicking reverse on occasion the car shifts beautifully.

Any suggestions on what the issue may be? I haven't taken anything apart yet but based on my previous experience and how it current appears, I see no issues.

Thanks

[rhodyguy]

Does the contact edge look like 'A' (IMG:style_emoticons/default/first.gif) or like the other worn one (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon8.gif) ? Note the crap that compromises the springs. Look at the gummed up spring ends and clear in the middle. I don' think the springs would fully compress correctly. There are also 2 bushings that cradle the shift lever. How many of the linkage bushings were replaced? The (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon8.gif) one is worn on the lever at the plate contact point also. Those bits of wear add up.

[ballsyfacts914]

Does the contact edge look like 'A' (IMG:style_emoticons/default/first.gif) or like the other worn one (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon8.gif) ? Note the crap that compromises the springs. Look at the gummed up spring ends and clear in the middle. I don' think the springs would fully compress correctly. There are also 2 bushings that cradle the shift lever. How many of the linkage bushings were replaced? The (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon8.gif) one is worn on the lever at the plate contact point also. Those bits of wear add up.

I will have to take apart first to be able to answer all of those questions. Based on the spring I can see, it does not appear to be as compressed as the ones in your sick photo. I didn't replace the bushings in the shift lever when I first got the car so that may be the issue.

I am at the point of deciding whether I leave as is or fix. I am hesitating because the shifting is smooth, I just need to be careful.

Thank you for the visuals and responses.