Gear shift

[RogG]

I'm having a common problem with my '65. It occassionaly jumps out of Park into Reverse. I read somewhere this is a common problem and the fix was pretty simple if I recall. I can't find the article describing the fix now. Can anyone help?

[Joe Vandatta]

This is indeed a common problem. There are many factors involved here. Some of the reasons ere as follows.
1- worn shift lever where it engages the dog on the detent.
2- worn shift tube bushings.
3-sloppy or loose pin in shift arm.
However, I have been through all this and think it is a design defect, The only safe way to park is to swing the steering wheel away so it can't drop into reverse.
Joe

[RogG]

Thanks Joe. I'm not sure what you mean by swinging the sterring wheel away so it can't drop into reverse. Do you mean tthat if I put it into park and swing it away it will stay in park? When I have to leave the car running for some reason I put it into neutral and put on the parking brake...is that dangerous?
I think I saw an article on the Birdnest web site or in the Nick's T-bird catalogue about this problem and I'm trying to locate it again. If I find it I'll pass it along. Thanks again

[Joe Vandatta]

Rog,
Yes, if you swing the steering wheel away it can't fall into any gear. When you leave it in neutral with the emergency brake set you are safe because the dropping into reverse problem is eleiminated. I have got into the habit of always swinging the wheel away though when leaving the car.
Joe

[tbird5866]

The problem of dropping out of PARK into REVERSE is 99.9% wear om the shift lever.
If in doubt, remove the shift lever and look at it. A roll pin is the only thing holding
the shift lever in. It's not that hard of a job. If you see a notch in the shift lever, you see your problem. Repair or replace.