The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Interiors SOLVED !!! Shifter came off again ( 3 on the tree)

I rebuilt my column shifter when I got my truck 3 years ago. My shift arm came off while driving before but , I was speed shifting. ( so my fault I guessed)

The other day it started to come off again while driving. I noticed it quick & got it in 2nd gear & went home.

I'm thinking it's been off so many time it's stretched out & just needs squeezed together a bit.

See my pics ....Anybody have this issue before ? Thanks

fester,

Just my $.02 worth. That may help a bit, but have you checked to see the condition of the 2 retaining springs and "pins" that are supposed to hold all those bits and pieces together???

Attached pic captured from a Chevy Master Parts and Accessory Catalog I have shows all the parts meant to hold the shifter arm in place (see below).

I would double check on the condition/tension of the 2 springs (marked by red arrows) and the 2 "pins" the springs force into the holes on the shifter to keep it in place before trying to "squeeze" the shifter sides together.

I didn't look up individual part numbers, but could do that and add that info later if you need it to try and track down needed parts.

Dan

I agree with Dan, that the 4.025 spring is your issue, or possibly the pins that engage the shift lever are worn and pop out of the holes in the shift lever. Or maybe the shift lever itself has worn holes.
I have had my shifter apart and putting that spring and the pins in place is pretty fiddly, so you may not have gotten it engaged properly.

On my truck, the threads in side the knuckle that attaches to the column were stripped, and the shifter worked, but was really loosey-goosey.

Speed shift??? Stovebolt column shifter???
I tried that when I was about 14... broke the shifter off in my hand, too. Back then there were plenty of 'em in junkyards.

Thanks Dan & Kevin for your $.02 worth I appreciate your help. I'll check out the springs & pins. They are new (3 years old) but since its aftermarket & Chinese, I'll pay closer attention to the details.

Jethro, by speed shifting I meant "not shifting like a grandpa" (which i do most of the time) Your comment made me laugh because I've busted one in the past too

The pin that retains the shifter is clearly out of place in your photo. I’ve included two photos of the top and underside of mine.

I personally under no circumstance would attempt to squeeze the shifter to tighten it up. Being an older vehicle it could be made from a more durable metal but I would be cautious. I would be concerned it is made from brittle pot metal and would break. Then you are really screwed. Pins and springs.

https://youtube.com/shorts/9FLYokgCoTE?feature=share4

I got my shifter back on, but noticed this ( see my video)

The pins & springs are new(ish) & seem fine. Maybe the shifter holes might be worn & making the pins loose?

1. Is this normal operation?

My shifter has a little play in it. But the pins aren't moving around in the hole like yours is.

Fester,

Looking at your video, that lower pin shouldn't rock like that. If both of the springs (the bent wire and the flat spring steel ones that interconnect to support the pins) are correctly mounted and pressing out on the upper and lower pins, they shouldn't rock like that.

It's possible the handle is splayed out some and/or the holes might be wallered out. You may also want to check and make sure the "bushing" (Parts Group 4.016) in the exploded parts diagram above is intact and not worn out as that is supposed to help retain the base of the curved wire spring on the inner shaft arm.

If it does turn out to be the handle, there is a supposedly NOS GM# 3716517 (not mine) being offered HERE . The paint on it is chipped up, but looks unmolested otherwise. A decent asking price (not gold plated - haha).

Let us know how things turn out.

Dan

I would also check the fit of the part that screws into the support attached to the column. That might affect the fit of the pins. The pins shouldn't wobble like that.

After seeing the pictures of the one on eBay, I take back my concern about breaking the shifter if attempting to squeeze it closed. Clearly it is a better quality material.

I removed my 3sp shift lever when I installed a T5. I still have the parts I removed.
PM me if you need any parts or pictures. Don

Had a chance to inspect further & see worn areas. Going to buy the shifter arm Dan suggested ( thanks Dan!)

As for the the shaft ( where the pins go) looks either worn or possibly machined. Not sure.

Thanks again for all who gave input. I Love this site

Yep, that shifter is flat wore out!
It looks like something I'd try (and fail) to repair. Time for a replacement.

Fester,

Glad the source helped.

On a follow up question, was wondering if you can confirm you have the second flat spring steel wrap around spring (see blue circled part in pic below) inside the thick collar that supports the back face of the pins along with the wire spring???

Can't see it from the perspective of your third picture showing the handle removed, but would note that if that secondary spring is missing, that would allow for exaggerated pin flexing and movement (along with the worn openings).

You may have to get a little deeper into your shifter/collar to confirm if that spring is there and functioning.

Dan

I got that shifter ordered & coming across country (FL --> CA) I'll update my progress in a week, possibly longer.

Dan,
Yes i do have that "blue" spring in place. I had to get all those little pieces 3 years ago when I got the 59. It was a maintenance truck for the state of Ca. & I'm sure than used it like a rented mule. The shifter was all out of wack & non functioning.

Maybe I should go to the welcome center & make my official hello...... Thanks again!!!

Thanks for the reply back and clarification Fester (and you're welcome again - haha)!

A very good thing you were able to round all those pieces up when you did. Of the 3 different parts, that flat spring plate is the one that is currently no where to be found for sale.

I did find one online catalog listing for a kit that had all the parts, but it has been listed as "out of stock" for who knows how long.

Anywho, as you never "officially" (LOL) introduced your self or your truck, go for it sir!

I (and I am sure others) would be interested in hearing the story of you and your truck, not to mention seeing as many pics as you are able to post!

Cheers

Dan

Got the "new" shifter off ebay and it fits tight, zero slack.
See my new video:
https://youtube.com/shorts/yxUsJLefAi0?feature=share4

Thanks to everybody who took the time to respond. It's fixing these small issues that gives you confidence to drive your stovebolt!

Maybe buy a plastic bushing for it?

Great news Fester!

Thanks for coming back and updating on your results. Very glad the ebay part took care of the problem.

Guessing you will be "speed shifting" to your hearts content - haha!

Dan