[JIMMYM]

How do you adjust a 1965 gto 4 speed hurst shifter. it is out of the car and shifts great 1-4 but cant get it to go in reverse.

[Dick Boneske]

You need a 1/4" pin or bolt to shove through the shifter body and shifter arms under the car. There is a hole in the body that needs to be lined up with similar 1/4" holes in each of the three shifter arms. Once you line up the arms and insert the pin, adjust the three shifter rods until they are all in neutral, including the reverse arm. Once you've done that, secure the rod adjustments and pull out the pin. It would be a good time to lubricate the shifter, too. I use #30 motor oil out of a squirt can and work the shifter to get oil on all the rubbing surfaces, wipe off the excess, and it will work like a charm.

[Peter Serio]

Check the 3 bolts that hold the mounting plate to the tailshaft. If you find washers underneath any of these bolts remove the washer and replace the bolt(s). Those bolts should be 3/8"X16, and they are 3/4" long. Check the torque on the 2 long bolts. It is very common for people to want to jamb on these bolts like it's a main cap!! If you overtighten the long bolts the shifter will bind up, especially and older shifter or one that has never been rebuilt. If the car has sat in storage for years you would expect that the shifter is going to need torn down and regreased. My recommendation for those bolts is: Top bolt 40/45 ft lbs and bottom bolt 25/30 ft lbs., maximum.

[Dick Boneske]

Peter is right, teardown would be ideal for a shifter that may have been idle for many years. But, if you do decide to tear it down, be prepared for a challenge getting it back together. Take pictures every step of the way when disassembling---been there, done that!

For now, you need to confirm that the proper adjustment can be made and oil between the shifter arms will help.

[JIMMYM]

Thanks to both of you for the information