vettfixr

After the holidays I'm going to be installing my headers and it occurred to me that if I wanted to do any work on the shifter this would be the right time. I'll have both pipes out of the way and should have enough room to work easily. My problem is that my shifter rattles like crazy one I get past 60 and it feel pretty sloppy. I know Zip makes rebuild kits but I'm wondering whether I should try to rebuild it or just hold off for a Hurst. I've had Hursts before and like them but if I can rebuild the original and have it work decently I'd rather go that way. Any comments?

A2Shark

I'm pretty interested in this question, too. Also, is there a fix for the gearshift rattle without doing a rebuild? Mine starts to rattle at 3K RPM's.

Brian

FeedVaal

I think most rattles are caused by the reverse lock out pin. A rubber band wrapped around it may help.

71roadster

I rebuit mine tho I'm not sure it offered any benefit that a cleaning and lube wouldn't have covered. The parts that are supposed to wear did not seem to be worn in the least.

Maybe just take it apart and clean and lube it. One thing tho'

USE LOCKTITE ON THE BOLT THAT HOLD THE LEVERS TO THE TRANNY!!!!

I can't emphasize this enough. These bolts coming loose and retightening (don't ask me how) are the primary source of all shift/tranny problems reported on the forum. After I rebuilt the shifter and the tranny I still would sometimes get stuck in a gear (drove home in first once, fourth another time) and always found those bolts loose. I finally put thread lock on em an the problems disappeared.

Chris

roger68

I rebuilt mine with the kit from Zip. The original wasn't sloppy and worked fine, but I was doing a bunch of other work so I thought what the heck. None of the original parts looked real worn, but it did make the shifter a little tighter. Unless you're going the Hurst route, I'd say it would be worth it.

Roger

Corvettes White

I put a small spring between the housing and the shift lever to push the lever to one side. This stopped the rattle. The rattle was the lever vibrating from left to right. Also after going through three shifters, welded up the housing to keep it from unfolding. All in all not that hard to do just dirty down there.

George

vettfixr

Sounds like everyone was pleased with the results but no "Oh Wow, what a difference" posts. Did anyone stop their rattling by rebuilding the unit or did you do it just to improve the feel?

Rockn-Roll

I don't think a rubber band would be a good idea when it's 100º outside and you've been driving for an hour cause wouldn't the rubber melt?

I have rebuilt my shifter and I suggest using a camcorder to make a photo history before you take it apart, and during the disassembly so you can look back to see how it goes back together. I have some rattle in mine even after rebuilding it, so I may have to pull it out again to insert a washer or something. The rattle drives me crazy!

vettfixr

That's been my experience too. I had it out once already and cleaned it and tightened it with a washer and it still rattles. That's why I'm wondering if it's worth it or should I just wait little longer and go for the hurst.

FeedVaal

My rubber band is a year old and hasn't melted yet. I may have to replace it when it starts rattling again.

jimduchek

Bag the original and put in a HURST! You won't regret :)

Jim

Gordonm

I rebuilt my shifter a couple of years ago. It was better but there is no comparision to the Hurst. My vote is save for the Hurst. I'm glad I did. No missed shifts since installing this shifter.

ZD75blue

i'd go hurst... i cant wait until i cant get a manual in this baby

ZD