Single Lever, non-overdrive splasher engine won't go in reverse

jagplates

I took my 47 pickup out of the garage for the first time in 14 years today. When I got back to the house, image my surprise to find it would not shift into reverse.  It was working when I backed it into the garage all those years ago, and I think it was working when I fired it up 6 months ago. It goes into 1st, 2nd & 3rd just fine.  Any thoughts?

Kdancy

Check the linkage bushings, they may be sloppy and or you might need to shorten the shifter linkage rod.

jagplates

No overdrive.

jagplates

Adjusting the HandyShift cable got it shifting into reverse again.  I have no idea why it would have gone out of adjustment just sitting in the garage, but it did.

Uncle Josh

That's usually caused by the innate carnality of inanimate objects.