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

[ballsyfacts914]

Hi All,

Thanks again for all the replies. Wanted to get an update out there in case others come across the same issue.

Before deciding to take the shift selector apart, I reached out to Auto Atlanta to talk through the issue and buy parts as needed. As a novice mechanic (at best), Auto Atlanta has been a great source to bounce ideas off of if you need a second opinion.

They suggested I check all the following before taking anything apart:

1. See if the rear shift rod is entering the hole straight on where it connects to the transmission at the shift rod head at the back of the car. If not, you have a bent shift rod. I saw no wear on the bushing once I had removed the dust boot nor any indication the rear shift rod was bent in any way.
2. Check to see if any up or down movement is present at the firewall bushing. Mine was good, only minor movement of the rod as one would expect.
3. While holding the shift rod at the bottom of the car near the middle, have another person gentle move the shift selector forward and backward to see if the selector moves without the rod moving. Then do the reverse while moving the shift rod. If you get any movement of the shift selector without moving the rod or movement of the rod without moving the selector, this is an indication your shift selector bushings need to be replaced. I had no slop here, when the rod moved the selector moved and when the selector moved the rod moved.

The only thing left at this point is alignment of the shifter. I ended up loosening the bolt at the base of the shift selector and making a minor adjustment which resulted in the stop plate working properly.

Hope this helps someone down the line. If anything, it reinforced always check for the easiest solution first. Realignment of the shifting can be a PITA but it requires only patience and a socket wrench (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif).

Thanks again!