Classic/Antique Car Repair: 66 chevy nova, shift linkage, chevy nova

Question
I own a 1966 chevy nova 3 spd on the column. 230 6 cyl.  The problem is when I shift out of first gear. the shifter locks up.. I have to turn the car off and manually shift it back into neutral at the base of the column..I'm not sure it the problem is in the column or the transmission...any advise would be very much appreiciated...Thank you Randy

Answer
Most column shift cars get this problem as they wear- the problem is very likely in the linkage at the base of the steering column.  If you have a shop manual for the car, study the instructions for adjusting this linkage, and then take it apart.  Look for areas where the holes are worn egg-shaped and have them welded closed and drilled back to the original size so that there is less slop in the various links - that will cure the problem.  Put it back together and adjust it following the shop manual instructions. While you are at it, make sure your motor and transmission mounts are not badly worn or loose, as that will also contribute to the problem.

To explain what is happening - the transmission has a spring loaded detent locking device that prevents the shift forks from getting into two gears at once - this requires that the column shifting mechanism be in perfect synchronism with the transmission hardware or else you can get an conflict between the two mechanisms. When the column shift linkage gets worn and sloppy, this will happen more and more often.  First gear is the worst because that is when the engine is pulling hard, and moving in the motor mounts - making lock-up more likely.

Dick