Shifting problem

JFromm

A friend who has a 50 pacemaker suddenly can no longer get first and reverse unless he opens hood and does it from there. He says that it appears to be very sloppy with the shift lever. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Ric West IN

Probably the shift fulcrum has loosened up and is slipping on the shift tube. (check the parts book) .

The die cast fulcrum is frequently the problem  as the splines are easily stripped after years of energetic

shifting.  I put many miles on my 49 when I was a kid with the aid of a pair of vice grips clamped on the

shift tube. Doesn't make for fast shifts but is easier than stopping, opening the hood and moving the shift rod.

Good luck

"Ric"