Belt molding

[RogG]

I've been trying to find a source for the belt molding....the piece of chrome trim that goes at the base of the rear roof pillar...for my 65 coupe. I can't find it among the usual sources, does anyone have an idead where I can find them?

[Joe Van Datta]

Did you try The Bird Nest in Port. Or.?
800-232-6378
How are coming along on your shift lever/ heating problems?
Joe

[RogG]

Joe, I'll look in their catalogue tonight when I get home. Picked up a thermostat and will put it in tomorow. Still messing with the shift lever though, still can't get it ti work.....aaaarggghhhh!
I keep reminding myself how much fun this is!

[Joe Van Datta]

Go under the hood and grab the shift lever that is on the lower end of the tube and see if you can get it to go into gear. That should narrow the problem down.
Joe

[RogG]

Joe:
I spent yesterday messing with the shift lever. Checked the Neutral Safety Switch..all looked fine. Then I looked at the bushing and cone at the end of the shaft and discovered that the bushing is missing and the cone slides up and down the shaft. Consequently the linkage is sloppy and won't shift gears properly. I dread the thought of having to dismantle the steering column but it looks like that's what I'm going to have to do. It probably is the right thing to do but I'm sure not looking forward to it.

[Joe Van Datta]

Rog,
I don't blame you for not wanting to tackle the colum removal but I think that is the only solution to your problem.
Good luck,
Joe

[RogG]

Joe, I read where it might be possible to cut through the bushung and slip it around the sterring column rather than taking the whole column out. Have you ever heard anyone doing this? It sounds like it might be worth a try if it has a chance to work, but what do you think?

[Joe Van Datta]

Rog, if you order the lower bushing from The Bird Nest there are instructions included to tell you how to do it by doing what you described. The insructions tell you about all the problems encounterd with the shift colum. However, if the cone on the lower steering shaft is bad--yikes-- the whole thing has to come out.
Joe

[Joe Van Datta]

Greg, upon looking at the sevice manual I think you might be able to get the steering shaft cone in by seperating it at the flex coupling and sliding it up after removing the upper shaft bearing retainer screws. That is if you can get the old cone out--you said it was loose.
Joe

[tbird5866]

The lower bushing can, indeed, be installed without removing the steering column. I've done it a few times. Leave the plastic cone alone. It serves no purpose once everything is together.

[RogG]

I just finished installing the steering bushing....without taking the shaft out! I read the article in the Birdsnest catalogue, followed the instructions and it worked. Of course they said it would take two hours and it took me four, still not bad for a rookie.
Now the linkage is also sloppy and needs some attention. Any tips?