guys,
i started over and made sure that the drill stayed "plumb" while i adjusted the linkage rods.
i found that there is very little room for error for everything to be in neutral.
once i redid the adjustment making sure the drill would slide in and out after each rod was adjusted i got reverse.

also i found some info on an oldsmobile forum that explains how to remove the stick.
it worked perfect

thanks for your input guys

rolf

1963 c10