66 Valiant Shift Linkage Question

[BSWIMMER66VALIANT]

Hello Everyone!

My name is Ben, I own a 1966 Plymouth Valiant, 170, 3 on the column. I bought it when I was 16 for $1,600 and I’m 31 now. I love this car so much. It’s no show car but I love it and love to drive it!

I’m reaching out because I’m curious if anyone has had a similar issue with excessive play in the shift linkage from being almost 60 years old? Is there an available shim kit or do I need to fab something up? Would love to hear from you! See attached photo but the issue is sometimes when I’m going from 3rd to neutral and back into first at a stop light it misses first and gets stuck under the arm because there’s so much play.

I can make a video if needed but I think I can solve this by simply shimming the linkage.

Red arrow in picture there is to much play causing the little piece that grabs the arms to put into gear, miss.
Blue arrow you can see the little piece that grabs the arms is barely grabbing 1st

I appreciate all of your time and would love to see your rides. I’ve also attached a photo of my car!

 

[townsend]

Go to mymopar and look at 1966 dart coronet service manual (same as valiant).
See pages 21-2 and 21-3 on how to remove linkage play.

 

[BSWIMMER66VALIANT]

Go to mymopar and look at 1966 dart coronet service manual (same as valiant).
See pages 21-2 and 21-3 on how to remove linkage play.

Thank you!

 

[Jarlaxle]

A manual is usually cheap on eBay.

 

[Miranthis]

A manual is usually cheap on eBay.

I ended up buying both the physical version AND the electronic version. Don't regret it. I can search easily, and take it out in to the shop . It's worth it... Hit me up if you need a pdf of a page or so.