Son Of A...

[linejet]

Man, you've got a beautiful car! Get into working on it yourself. Changing the clutch would have been a fun experience. It's not that hard and you can do the job with common hand tools. Now this problem with the shifter..... Have you even looked under the car? It should appear similiar to an erector set. Don't laugh, it's just a few rods and a mount plate and once you stare at for a few minutes it should all make sense. You can buy any bolts you need at any hardware store. Just make sure they fit width-wise and be just long enough to give you at least 3 full turns after they start, then cinch them down. I don't want to sound like I'm putting you down, but if you buy a 35 yr old beauty like that, you should at least try to work on it yourself.
PS If you got charged 2000 for a clutch, you got ripped off bigtime.

[LT1MAN]

old cars are great

[linejet]

I just re-read my reply and I apologize if I came across a bit too strong. It's just that a shifter is pretty easy to trouble shoot and you shouldn't let something like that keep you from driving the car for days on end. It should be a quick fix. I'd love to take that beauty of yours for a spin! Even changing the clutch isn't that bad if you get a halfway decent repair manual to guide you. The mechanic you hired did something wrong or you hit something on the road to break your shifter linkage setup. If it was the mechanic, you should get a new mech, or as I prefer, start doing your own work. You'll lose time doing your own work (and your wife might complain about garage space) but you'll save money and you'll really get a sense of satisfaction from doing it yourself. Not to mention all the knowledge you'll gain about your car. Best of luck in the future!

[Earlsfat]

OK! I got up under there and you guys are right! Two bolts still there, one missing a lock washer and nut, ther other just there not grabbing anything. Is that right though, only 2? Couldn't find any other holes, but wasn't entirely sure... Had one at the top and one at the rear on the bottom.


The heads of the bolts were 5/8, so not sure if I've got something a little different or what, but get this... I was just kinda messing around under there and almost ALL of the damn things are loose, all the way around! Looks like I'll be going through this thing front to back tightening stuff up this weekend.

You guys really are a big help. Thank you very much.

Jim

[Earlsfat]

Line, yeah I know... I'm trying to get into it myself, but know next to nothing about motors, etc. I bought an old one figuring that there isn't much advanced technology to really screw me up, but uh... I need an education on the whole thing. I do think it needs new seals, valve spring seals or whatever. I was under there last night and noticed oil all over the place... mainly below the oil pan, but some above it too. Not sure if oil could blow all over the place, with no flywheel cover, etc, I just don't know. Anyway, all future repairs are mine to do, or she gets a sticker on the window.

That $2k was for several different things, but still... $850 for a clutch job, Jegs sells the clutch etc for $400, the guy had it for 1.5 months, and didn't even put the shifter back on right! I need to do this myself, or I'll be selling it this fall. Got another kid coming, can't be wasting money.

[Earlsfat]

I would just like to say thanks to all of you guys, got under there last night and fixed it, 2 bolts, lock washers and red locktite.Perfect... better than the mechaniprick.

One question though, new post: "Shifter Question".