Transmission / Overdrive: 1960 lark 3 speed shift problems

[bobkat820b]

I am new to this as i just purchased a 1960 Lark VI with a 3 speed ... it has major problems shifting and shifter is very sloppy ... it refuses to go into reverse, plus ... what do i need to do to make this right? ... thanks in advance for any help ... Bob

[BobPalma]

1. Buy a reproduction (reprinted) Shop Manual from Studebaker International.

2. Replace any worn grommets in the linkage.

3. Oil any linkage interfaces in which there are no rubber grommets.

4. Adjust the linkage per the Shop Manual procedure.

BP

[Skip Lackie]

Good advice from Bob Palma. The linkage is more likely to be the cause of the problem than the transmission itself. If you look under the hood, you'll see the trans linkage emerging from the lower end of the steering column. Check for wear both there and at the trans end of the shift rods. Most of the parts are available to replace worn items, and all of the rubber bushings may need to replaced.

Put the trans in neutral, jack up the car and remove the shift rods from the trans (remember which one goes where). Try moving each shift rod back and forth by hand, but be sure to return each to neutral. If they move easily and firmly into each gear, the trans is probably okay. While you're under there, check the level of the trans lube. Get someone to hold the shift lever in the midddle, neutral position of the H pattern. Adjust the rods to exactly match the position of the levers on the trans while the rods are in neutral.

Other possibilities are worn/collapsed motor mounts and a worn shift tube inside the steering column. The 59-64 chassis parts book includes an exploded view of the whole shift linkage, and the shop manual includes a much better description of how to fix any problems.

[bezhawk]

The pot metal shifter "bell" (that the shift lever attaches to) is often very worn, and will greatly affect shifting quality.