Shifter spinning

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BoyleC
Posts: 4
Joined: Wed Sep 04, 2024 9:25 pm
Your car is a: 1978 Fiat Spider 124

Shifter spinning

Post by BoyleC »

I have ‘78 Spider, 5-speed. Shifting is smooth. However, the shifter (not the knob) spins. I think that only the upper lever is spinning as is freely rotating on a tight axis—like unscrewing a bolt or screw. I am considering replacing the bushings/clips that connect the upper and lower levers to see if this will fix the issue. I’m a novice and would appreciate any feedback/thoughts.
bobplyler
Patron 2022
Patron 2022
Posts: 823
Joined: Sat Jan 30, 2010 7:58 pm
Your car is a: 1979 spider 2000
Location: Charlotte, NC

Re: Shifter spinning

Post by bobplyler »

That's working the way it's supposed to. Mine has been doing that since new.
1979 Fiat Spider (since new)
2005 Lincoln LS (the wife's car)
2003 Chevrolet Cavalier (daily driver)
1999 Honda Shadow VLX 600
1972 Grumman Traveller 5895L (long gone).
18Fiatsandcounting
Posts: 3798
Joined: Fri Mar 15, 2019 11:23 pm
Your car is a: 1969 and 1971 124 spiders
Location: San Francisco Bay Area

Re: Shifter spinning

Post by 18Fiatsandcounting »

As mentioned above, many of the shift levers spin. However, while they can turn if you turn them, the chrome shift lever extension should not freely rotate on its own. Or rattle.

As you mentioned, you might have missing or worn out shift lever bushings:
https://autoricambi.us/shifter-extension-bushing-kit/

-Bryan
BoyleC
Posts: 4
Joined: Wed Sep 04, 2024 9:25 pm
Your car is a: 1978 Fiat Spider 124

Re: Shifter spinning

Post by BoyleC »

Bryan/Bob,
Thanks for the response. Very helpful.
Chris
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