kawi825

was buttoning up my console after replacing window switches, lamps, fixing some other elec issues, and AFTER i finished the last sidewall carpet panel, i decided it'd be worth looking into the shifter/connections/bushings, etc (perfect timing dummy)..
took it out, cleaned, greased, etc, and now i can't seem to depress the springs enough to get the shift rod onto the pins enough to re-insert the retaining clips! i've tried wedging huge screwdrivers behind the arms, etc but don't want to put too much force on the steel arms. I spent almost 2 hours trying, but just can't get the springs to compress nearly enough to see the clip grooves on the pins. i need 4 more hands in a 4X5" hole..I'm dying..
TIA for any guidance guys.

Matt
78 5-speed Euro

GlenL

Here's a trick:

Compress the springs in a vice and tie them with wire. Install it and then cut the wires.

I've also done it with prying and vicegrips. A real tough job to get right. I always wonder how it was done in the factory.

kawi825

tie wire didn't work, it takes up room on the shaft, which was a tight fit anyway, can't even get the sprins back on the shift handle with a vise without breaking the tie wire. Anyone else got any tips on re-installing a shifter? I'm coming up in 4 hrs in this thing, and starting to lose it.. Thanks

Ethre

I would love to find out too. I ended up simply installing mine without the inner plastic plate.

depami

You have to just keep fighting with it. I was able to hold the springs compressed with a small long nosed mole grip. The bushing were a real bear to get in. Just keep working them and they will go.

Cortina

A "mother" of a job ... I ended up making a special tool just for this. Design was critical - since the limitation of room to do the job (width of "opening") and amount of compression needed to get clips fitted were two dimensions fighting against each other.
I can take a photo and post tomorrow (it's night here !) if a) needed , and b) wanted !!

Cortina

The other thing (from memory) was that I disconnected the linkage at both ends which allowed me to lift the assembly ....A BIT... which gave a little more room !
(mine is slightly unusual in that I have a bolted rose joint connection at the front vs the std plastic cup jobbie !!)
... and now also sports a reinforced joint on both shafts ... you know ...... where it usually breaks !!

depami

Please do.

We're always interested in what someone elses special tool looks like.

Lizard928

All aftermarket shifters (short shifters) do away with the springs.

So long as the bushings are in good order and in place, the springs aren't really required.

F18Rep

Its do-able...;] Bruce

blown 87

I am sure it is done on the TT when it is out of the car, that is the way I do them, no problem at all when the TT is out of the car.

kawi825

thanks all, this gives me some encouragement to take my bloody knuckles back out to the garage in the am and give it another try.

GlenL

Ah. "Cooper Cup" points.

I've wanted to do it a lot of times but I still haven't smashed the windshield and had the car towed away.

Cortina

Here goes ...

Imo000

I left them out.