I took the console out of my 70 Chevelle to replace the lights on the shift indicator and install a neutral safety switch. It seems now that the linkage is binding. Is this due to moving the shifter through the gears when I was replacing the switch? Dosn't want to move down into drive. I haven't started the car yet to see how it's going into gear. Is this something that will mesh once the car is started? I haven't touched anything as far as the linkage goes. Thanks Tom

Take the top plate off the console, you will be able to watch the shifter work as you go through the gears. You will likely see what's interfering with it, should be a quick fix.

Mark: Already checked for that, nothing appears to be in the way. Tom

Hmmmm. Is the linkage loose/disconnected at the trans? Or is the transmission in the wrong gear when compared to the shifter? Not sure how you can test that, but accidentally starting the car in gear would NOT be a good thing...

Mark: Linkage is connected and tight. Shifter looks like it 's in the right gear. Should I start the car to get the tranny fluid circulating and try moving through gears, maybe things will mesh? Like I said earlier evertihing worked fine until I was moving the shifter with the car off to get at the neutral safety switch. What do you think.. Tom

It wouldn't hurt, just be ready in case the car IS in gear.... A quick test to eliminate it as a possibility would be a good idea.

I think it's a mechanical issue though, something stopping the shifter.

I don't see how having the engine running could possibly affect this. If you put a new neutral safety switch on the shifter, I'm guessing that's where the problem lies. The switch is stuck internally or something.

Mike: Shifter was binding with the safety switch out. Should there be a retaining clip holding the cable coming throgh the floor? I don't see anything there. I thinking that the cable moved causing it not to go through all the gears. I may try moving the cable from under the car up to see if that's the problem. What do you guys think. Tom

Nah, there's no retainer where the cable goes through the floor, just a grommet.

I was noticing that the cable contecting to the shifter has braided wire. There is also a metal sheath around this cable and then the outer housing. My question is if the metal sheath should be connected right up to where it connects to the shifter which would cover the braided wire completly. I saw that there is some movment of the sheath when I move the shifter and wondering if this is causing the binding of the shifter not moving past neutral. Thanks Tom

Go to a parts site and take a look at the cables for your shifter and compare them. If you cable is worn through, it will slack up and bind.

Ted: Thanks Tom