Automatic Shifter Service
The door feels good and solid when you open it to slide in behind the wheel.
The instrument panel's reflecting surfaces give off a hundred points of glistening
light. A turn of the key and the little 289 4v engine purrs contently beneath the
Poppy Red '65 Mustang convertible's hood. You grab the automatic's shifter handle
to put it in gear and you notice immediately how sloppy the shifter feels.
Head directly to Shasta Mustang Supply for shifter bushing and seal replacement
service.
Follow along and you'll see how a sloppy
automatic shifter can be rejuvenated !!
Set the parking brake or block the wheels to avoid an unfortunate incident.
Use an allen wrench to remove the set screw of the shifter handle. DO NOT TWIST
the handle, pull it straight up.
Phillips screwdriver removes the four shifter bezel retaining screws.
Remove the adapter plate.
The indicator light unit should glow when the ignition switch in turned to the
''on'' position. Squeeze to remove.
Remove the lever retaining nut with a 9/16 boxend wrench. This is tight quarters.
Belly button lint. There was a brand new trunk lid key under the fuzz! Here's
the new bushings. Use a jack stand.
Under the car, lube the bushing and the shifter shaft and push it back into the
shifter housing.
Back on top, lube and slide the other bushing in place. Re-install shifter lever
and nut. Check the indicator bulb.
This bulb was fried so it got replaced. With the key on, we now have light. Looks
like this seal has seen better days.
Gently pry the old seal off at the bezel's studs with a screwdriver. Spread the
new seal slightly.
The new seal is located at the pegs and peened over to hold in place.
Clean with 000 steel wool. Mask and repaint the bezel's camera case texture satin
black. Clean overspray from chrome as necessary. Smear a little silicone grease on
the rubber seal and re-install bezel.
Keep the ''lips'' of the seal pushed inward so it doesn't snag and pull against
the bezel when shifting.
Don't twist the handle when installing. Sometimes this part can be a bit reluctant.
Jiggle the button. Be patient.
Check proper operation of the neutral safety switch, and adjust if necessary
at the transmission.
Enjoy your drive.
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