Author Topic: 1968 console shift indicator  (Read 637 times)

Offline Kascus

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1968 console shift indicator
« on: March 28, 2023, 08:57:53 PM »
Struggling with a 68 automatic floor console shift selector light. What is the trick to get the light to align with the gear selected ? I am off by at least one gear. With the pegs at the bottom of the selector plate going through the elevated brackets on the base, there is no adjustment available.

Original items- console, selector plate.
Repo items- sliding light assembly, link rod, shift, shifter base.

Thank you
K
Current:
1968.5 428 CJ Fastback / San Jose 05-15-68
1964.5 289 D Code Coupe / Dearborn 06-05-64
1966 289 C Code Convertible /San Jose 02-11-66


Past:
1965 Shelby SFM5S561
1966 289 FB
1965 289 Coupe
1969 302 Fastback

Offline dave6768

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Re: 1968 console shift indicator
« Reply #1 on: March 29, 2023, 09:41:44 PM »
May need to modify something to make it line up.  Can you make/fashion/3-d print a new link rod to the correct length?  (no one would know except you)

Offline Ken S

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Re: 1968 console shift indicator
« Reply #2 on: March 29, 2023, 11:35:27 PM »
I had a little trouble with mine also. This might help...
https://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=7808.0
68 C code Highland Green Convertible

Offline 67gtasanjose

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Re: 1968 console shift indicator
« Reply #3 on: March 30, 2023, 07:16:06 AM »
A few things come to mind. First, verifying you actually have the OEM shifter bucket AND Indicator plate, be sure the lamp sliding portion moves freely back and forth in the indicator plate. Sometimes there has been some melting of the plastic (heat from the bulb). Repair as needed.
Shifter linkage to the trans should not be connected yet to help assist in these adjustment steps. It CAN be, but having it connected might cause unnecessary errors in adjustments.
Index the plastic studs into the metal stands of the shifter base. And snap the plastic linkage rod in. I have used the repro ones successfully (usually reprod are made of black ABS plastic, originals typically are white) Be sure to lay the wires out in a fashion  that allows for free movement as you move the shifter from Park to Low1. (NOTE: The two wires should roll freely back and forth, much like the ribbon wiring that you might see on the ink cartridge of an inkjet printer).
With the console NOT in place, check alignment of the indicator.  If it is off, bend the metal stands of the shifter bucket forward or backwards as needed till the indicator lines up. Check function from Park to Low1 repeatedly. This last step you might need to finesse the metal stands a little. Put the console in, secure console with all mounting screws and recheck alignment of lamp. Ideally, you should be good to go. If minor adjustments are needed at this time, a little effort might be needed to move the indicator plate fore or aft, using the slots in the console base.

*NOTE: These steps should work if your dash panel is where it should be and the hole for the shifter is where it ought to be. If your car has been wrecked hard or reconstructed with repro parts, all bets are off for these steps solving any issues.
« Last Edit: March 30, 2023, 07:21:11 AM by 67gtasanjose »
Richard Urch

1967 (11/2/66, S.J.) GTA Luxury Coupe, 289-4V w/Thermactor Emissions, C-4, Int./Ext. Decor +many options

2005 (04/05) GT Premium Convertible, Windveil Blue, Parchment Top w/Med. Parchment interior,  Roush Body Appointments

Offline Kascus

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Re: 1968 console shift indicator
« Reply #4 on: April 02, 2023, 10:25:18 PM »
I think I found my issue. The shifter itself is not going all the way to gear 1 detent on the shifter base. It is about a half gear out. I have not noticed since the car is not running / driving yet and I did not do the trans linkage install. I am going to adjust the shifter linkage to allow it to fully go it gear 1 and see where I am at on the indicator.
Current:
1968.5 428 CJ Fastback / San Jose 05-15-68
1964.5 289 D Code Coupe / Dearborn 06-05-64
1966 289 C Code Convertible /San Jose 02-11-66


Past:
1965 Shelby SFM5S561
1966 289 FB
1965 289 Coupe
1969 302 Fastback