Hello and Happy Holidaze...

[gmd]

Happy new owner of a 1972 Fiat 124 Sport Spider 1600 in French Bleu...whoopwoop.
Working on shift linkage, deciding if updating to '73 push down reverse is smart move, replacing bushings and bearings where needed and center exhaust...looking forward to top down motoring this Spring.

[tima01864]

How would you update that?

[gmd]

Not sure actually.

One of the options given in other advice forums.

Looking at why the shifter is sloppy when lifting into reverse.
Mechanic looking at microfiche diagram later today to see what piece might be missing.

[tima01864]

Maybe this part of the shifter assembly, Clips on the housing. https://autoricambi.us/shift-lever-anti-rattle-clip/

[gmd]

Could be...

Mechanic and AR have been back and forth.
Fiat changed shifters from lift up reverse to push down reverse in '73...
so it is about finding the part that fits a '72.

[tima01864]

http://www.funimported.com/ Try Danny, May have the part you need and the information

[18Fiatsandcounting]

A few thoughts from me:
1) At least for the older spiders that I am familiar with, the shifting never was that clean and precise even from the factory. I wouldn't call it sloppy, but if you are looking for a precision shifter that goes snick-snick-snick through the gears with a fingertip touch, this shifter isn't going to make you happy.

2) That being said, the "reverse gear safety lockout" isn't likely to be the cause of sloppy shifting. Most likely it is wear in the shifter assembly, the ball and socket arrangement at the bottom of the shift lever, or within the transmission itself (such as worn shift forks).

3) For my cars, I would get so frustrated with the reverse lockout and trying to remember whether to pull up or push down when going into reverse, that I always just removed the threaded stud from the rear of the shifter extension housing and replaced it with a short bolt. I never once came anywhere close to shifting into reverse when coming out of 5th gear.

-Bryan

[gmd]

Thanks...
I will check out Danny's site.

As to the looseness,
it is more than just not precise.
Seems as if something broke, could be that
someone moving the car forced it into reverse
without pulling up, not sure...
but it is like soup finding the gears.
So, seems as if there is some kind of clip, washer
or something keeping it in position.

Have a fella looking at some diagrams/microfiche from AR.
(AR closed though, through the 2nd.)
So may deal with more of this after New Year's...

Just a FYI,
this forum is so cool.
You all may be used to it by now, but it is refreshing
to have folks care and to give advice so freely.

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Yes, your latest description sounds like there either is something broken, seriously worn, or not assembled right. By the way, if you remove the shift lever extension (the chrome piece with the knob on top), does the metal lever that sticks up from inside the transmission still have a lot of sloppiness to it? If not, your problem could be that the shift lever extension (the chrome piece) is not attached correctly to the lever from the transmission. A common problem.

And thanks for your note on this forum. As for me, I just like solving mechanical problems, whether in person or online.

-Bryan

[tima01864]

Recently on my transmission the shift lever nut that holds the assembly together came loose, Making it near impossible to shift. There is a three bolt plate underneath on the transmission. Worth unbolting and taking a look at that, I replaced the nut with a nylon locking nut. Was kind of a pain getting it back together but I did find some tips here and it made it fairly easy.

[gmd]

Thanks.

Well check some of these later this week.
Currently in Detroit area for Christmas...
And Merry Merry Happy Happy to y'all.