Well this is a first-the shift coupler won’t fit onto the rod that connects the coupler to the shifter.

Do I need to just wire brush the rod that comes out through the opening in the firewall to make sure that there’s no scale on it? I can’t feel anything hanging it up with my fingers.

Anyone ever had this happen to them?

Click to view attachment

That rod looks like hammered Try a file to akee down the high spots. Clamp a crescent wrench on it and rotate the wrench to be sure it isn't out of round and to locate the high spots.

Yep, clean all those nicks and wacks off so it's smooth and it will go it.

Thank you for the responses, I’ll get it cleaned up in any nicks or ridges filed down. And try again.

It’s always interesting to see the unexpected challenges that these cars throw your way.

Is that a crack in the coupler bushing on the left?

Wow, good eyes. Think it maybe a dent or something on it, but will double check.

Just as an aside....look at the number of posts all you guys have......I am honored to be in your company....I am buying a new to me used Craftsman bench grinder tomorrow morning for little touch ups like this.....hand file and wire wheel and back in business....my rear lug nuts will look respectable again by noon tomorrow.....all the best,
gg

A fine file will work nicely too. probably just a burr.

Might want to ditch that worm gear house clamp too, if your car is injected.

Thanks for all of the responses.

@TheCabinetmaker - this is a low pressure Weber build for now just to get it driving but I VERY much appreciate the safety consideration. I’ve started using proper FI clamps on everything ( even cars that are carbureted) when I actually button everything up for good.

I’ll get a file on this and report back.

Thanks!

Have you changed out the two bushings inside the coupler? Not hard to do. They look a little rough in your photo. I know from experience that when they fail or disintegrate (in my case) the ability to shift will disappear.

Hi Mike - agree, and thanks for pointing it out. I have replacement ones, just “roughing” everything in at this point since the car came to me as a roller and the engine/trans are from a different donor.

If I decide to keep it it will all be gone through.

Thanks again for the eyes on it and smart suggestion.

I've seen rear bars that got bent enough to have trouble fully engaging at the coupler.

Good morning, wow, those must have been pretty bent.

I’m planning on connecting the shifter today so I’ll soon find out if I have an issue there.

Thanks for the response, hope you are doing well.

EDIT - turns out I did have a burr on the end as you all suggested, and once I took the Dremel to it problem solved. Everything is back and connected. Weird that this piece was nicked and generally beat up, maybe the last person working on it had an anger management problem?

Pleas let us know how your subsequent linkage adjustment goes..... I remain a three gear guy for now but at 4K, the six is sailing along above most posted speed limits in our small town....

If you are back in SoCal we can get the car on a lift and see what’s going on?

Missing R&1 or 4&5?

Hi Forrest, it’s been awhile and hope u can visit socal again and join one of the small events or meet ups!