1966 Plymouth Valiant Shift Linkage Help

Hello Everyone!

Just recently joined this Forum. I have a 1966 Plymouth Valiant V100 with the 170 and a 3 on the tree. I've owned it for 14 years now and I've recently been running into issues shifting between gears. The linkage in the column continues to get stuck, mainly trying to get back into 1st gear from anywhere. When the linkage isn't stuck it goes into gear and everything works just fine. I'm curious if anyone can point me in the right direction for a new bushing kit or tips on how to adjust the linkage or even if you don't think its the linkage and could be something else.

Thank you all for your time!

Sounds silly, but have you lubricated the linkage and checked the fluid level in the transmission? Also, after all these years- there is going to be a bit of play. Too much and shifting is tough.
Also, check clutch adjustment - if the input shaft is still spinning it can cause shifting issues. Many parts to consider especially with column shifted cars. Very cool set up and Welcome aboard!
Syleng1

Syleng1 said:

Sounds silly, but have you lubricated the linkage and checked the fluid level in the transmission? Also, after all these years- there is going to be a bit of play. Too much and shifting is tough.
Also, check clutch adjustment - if the input shaft is still spinning it can cause shifting issues. Many parts to consider especially with column shifted cars. Very cool set up and Welcome aboard!
Syleng1

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Thank you! This is a great group to be a part of. I have lubricated the linkage, I replaced the clutch less than 500 miles ago And the fluid level in trans is good. It shifted fine with the new clutch and just recently started doing this. I was assuming it’s linkage issue because that’s where it seems to be getting stuck. Maybe I’ll try a thicker grease. Do you happen to know if there is supposed to be some sort of rubber bushing where the shift handle goes into the steering column?

It sounds like the bushings in the linkage are warn. This allows the linkage to reach neutral, but the trans is still in the last gear selected. The interlock in the side cover won't let you get into two gears at once. you would have to move the arm to the neutral position to free it up.
I don't recall the bushings, but I think they were a rubber-type material. Metal would be better.
I put a Hurst 3-speed shifter in, but you must fab a floor console because the linkage is inside the pass compartment.
I had a '66 V200 with a 170 & a 3speed. I used the V-8 tail pipe & a Thrush 2" muffler & Accel points in the dist. That got rid of the flat acceleration when you rev it up in 2nd & shift to 3rd.
I liked that so much that I found a '66 273, 3-speed 2-door That's when the column shift linkage became a problem. I bought a Hurst Syncro Loc shifter, which mounts on the floor inside the car(the rods are above the floor) but soon fried the clutch.
But I digress. Check the bushings in the tranny arms, & replace.
SpeedyEd

it's likely that the bushings in the shift linkage on the column are just wasted.

unfortunately, they're NLA so you'll need to get creative in making new ones, source some okay-ish used ones or scour ebay and cough up if you find some NOS or dead stock ones.