Rattle in shifting mechanism Options

[andreic]

Hello,

I have a 1972 with the early (tail) shifter mechanism. The transmission shifts very well after I replaced all the bushings and adjusted the shifter.

However, in second, third, fourth, and fifth gears, as I accelerate through 1400 rpm there is a loud rattle that seems to come through the firewall. I believe it must be coming from the connection between the front shifter bar (the one that goes through the firewall) and the rear one. Both plastic balls at that connection were recently replaced in the shifting mechanism, but that part of the shifter still does not feel tight. The balls used were the black plastic ones supplied by Pelican.

Does anyone have any experience with these? Is there any other supplier of the plastic balls? If not, is there anything else I can do to eliminate the rattle there?

Thanks,
Andrei.

[andreic]

Dr. Evil: I did not replace 6, 9, and 10 (they did not come as part of the standard Pelican parts bushing kit), but I don't think the rattle is from there.

I changed 11, 40 (2 pcs), 22 (3 pcs).

The end of the bar #43 that you put a red arrow on is all steel. Was there supposed to be a metal or plastic ball at the end? The little vertical end does feel loose in the part on the transmission where it attaches (is that what you called the cleat?). If those parts are worn out, what needs to be replaced or repaired? Should a new ball be welded on the end of the shifter bar? Or the cleat replaced, by taking some part of the transmission apart?

Thanks for all the help.