- Joined
- Sep 12, 2015
- Messages
- 7,645
- Reaction score
- 2,768
- Location
- SW Ontario
- My Car
- 1971 Mustang Mach 1, M code, 4 speed.
Looking for a heads up before I start pulling stuff apart and getting dirty.
First, the car is a 71 Mach 1, 4 speed manual. The top loader was totally rebuilt professionally back in 2012 and the Hurst shifter was sent back to Hurst last winter. I have never had a problem in the 11 years I've owned the car, but the other night, I was about to leave a local cruise-in when I could not get it out of reverse. (these lock in reverse and no, it was not the key stuck). I usually pull it to neutral before I start the motor. When I did start it in reverse, I was able to get it in neutral and then drive normally, no more issues. When it was stuck, there was a solid clunk noise from the area of the lock-out rod as I tried to get it freed up.
I have driven the car a few time since without issue, but this morning I backed out of the garage onto the street and for a time, could not get out of reverse. Once it did release, no more problems going to and back from a car show.
I've heard that the original shift rods can get jambed up, but I have never had that happen. So, has any one had this or a similar issue and can offer a heads up?
I'm pretty sure I'll be under the car in the next day or so, so it would be helpful if I knew what I was looking for. Lock-out rod, shift linkages, shifter or gearbox itself (Hope not the latter!!)
Geoff.
First, the car is a 71 Mach 1, 4 speed manual. The top loader was totally rebuilt professionally back in 2012 and the Hurst shifter was sent back to Hurst last winter. I have never had a problem in the 11 years I've owned the car, but the other night, I was about to leave a local cruise-in when I could not get it out of reverse. (these lock in reverse and no, it was not the key stuck). I usually pull it to neutral before I start the motor. When I did start it in reverse, I was able to get it in neutral and then drive normally, no more issues. When it was stuck, there was a solid clunk noise from the area of the lock-out rod as I tried to get it freed up.
I have driven the car a few time since without issue, but this morning I backed out of the garage onto the street and for a time, could not get out of reverse. Once it did release, no more problems going to and back from a car show.
I've heard that the original shift rods can get jambed up, but I have never had that happen. So, has any one had this or a similar issue and can offer a heads up?
I'm pretty sure I'll be under the car in the next day or so, so it would be helpful if I knew what I was looking for. Lock-out rod, shift linkages, shifter or gearbox itself (Hope not the latter!!)
Geoff.
Last edited by a moderator: