Re: 1969 Fastwin shift linkage adjustment?

[frankr]

First check for looseness in the shift linkage. All else is in vain if there is looseness. Remove the oval plate on the midsection and peer in as you move the shifter lever (you may have to spin the prop to move the shifter). When you move the shifter, the shift rod (behind the oval plate) should move up and down with no delay. When one moves the other must move. An alternate check is to see if you can move the shift rod without moving the shifter.

OK, now for the adjustment. There is a slight adjustment possible. Observe the pin on the shifter that rides in the ramps on the vertical interlock bar.. While spinning the prop, slowly move the shifter. You should feel the gears click as they begin to engage. That should happen equally as the pin leaves the neutral notch in the interlock bar toward forward & reverse. Adjustment is made by loosening the two screws that hold the shifter handle to the shaft.

Of course, adjustment is not the problem 90% of the time. It’s usually a worn out clutch dog and forward gear, which in turn beats the linkage to death. People "fix" the worn out dog by turning it end for end. That transfers the problem to reverse—-as you are experiencing.