Shift Rod Bracket Installation Question

[newkitman]

Ok gang. Having one problem with the chassis mod. I have to fit the shift rod bracket to the rear location and SOMEHOW manage to get it between the two e-brake tubes and still hang down low enough to slide the shift rod through the bracket. Do any of you who built your TDs and did the mod to the chassis remember how you accomplished this little feat? When I get this done the body can go on. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks. newkitman2013-01-12 17:05:58

Allen Caron
VW based 53MGTD - "MoneyPenny"
"If one thing matters, everything matters" - from the book The Shack

[edward ericson]

I replaced (or, actually, put in; there wasn’t one before) my shift rod bushing a couple years back. The bracket actually bolted in with the shifter, as i recall. It was still tons of fun to get the rod in and out, as this could not be accomplished with the bracket attached to it.

Anyway: if your problem is locating the bracket, I think drilling out the spot welds, and drilling the front hole neatly so the rear shifter bolt can locate it might be the way. Think I have pics of mine if you need.

EDIT:

So here are the pics. As you can see, the bracket has the captive nuts. You can locate it using one shifter bolt at a time. When I did mine it stayed put just fine. Getting the shortened shift rod through it was the issue.

edsnova2013-01-12 14:16:22

[newkitman]

Locating the shifter is easy enough. My problem is getting the bracket between the e-brake tubes with the hole for the shift rod low enough to get the shift rod through. Also I think my shifter bracket is a little different that yours. I have a neoprene bushing that goes through the bracket and then the shift rod goes through all that. I’ll have to tackle that tomorrow. newkitman2013-01-12 17:06:48

Allen Caron
VW based 53MGTD - "MoneyPenny"
"If one thing matters, everything matters" - from the book The Shack

[Paul Mossberg]

Should be the same bracket Allen. The bushing goes on the hole at the rear of the bracket in Ed’s picture (end towards the bottom of the picture)

Paul Mossberg
Former Owner of a 1981 Classic Roadsters Ltd. Duchess (VW)
2005 Intermeccanica Roadster

If you own a TDr and are not in the Registry, please go to https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/mg-td-replica-registry/ and register (you need to copy and paste the link)

[Paul Mossberg]

I’m having trouble understanding where you are running into interference inside the tunnel.

Maybe the pictures in this samba thread will help?

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=432049

Paul Mossberg
Former Owner of a 1981 Classic Roadsters Ltd. Duchess (VW)
2005 Intermeccanica Roadster

If you own a TDr and are not in the Registry, please go to https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/mg-td-replica-registry/ and register (you need to copy and paste the link)

[edward ericson]

You can move the e-brake tubes with a big screwdriver. Just reach in and gently pry them towards the sides to make room for the shifter bracket.

Or you can cut them and relocate the e-brake too. 

[newkitman]

Paul – Look at the picture in the samba with the cutaway. My shift rod bracket is at the position above the heater tubes and about even with the seat belt nut. But the tubes in my tunnel aren’t over against the sides they are right in the center of the hole for the shifter. I’ll take a couple of pictures and post them tomorrow.

Ed – I wasn’t sure if I could bend the tubes or what effect that would have on the e-brakes. Seeing the picture that Paul posted from the samba, I’ll try spreading the tubes apart towards the sides of the tunnel. That should give me enough room to get the bracket in the correct position. Thanks for the help guys and I’ll keep you posted on my progress.

Allen Caron
VW based 53MGTD - "MoneyPenny"
"If one thing matters, everything matters" - from the book The Shack

[edward ericson]

You can definitely bend them. It says to in the assembly instructions. I would bet they bend just a little easier if the loosen the adjuster nuts on your e-brake so there’s some slack in the cables.

Good luck.

[newkitman]

Good news…Shifter bracket is in and shift lever moves as it should without any hangups. Now I just have to weld in the 4-1/2 inch plate that I cut out. Then move to the accelerator cable tube. Forgot to put the tube through the slot that I cut out. I’ll post some photos tonight. Got to keep working before the rain moves in. I’m not keen on welding in the rain. Dontcha just love it when a plan comes together?!!  newkitman2013-01-13 12:31:44

Allen Caron
VW based 53MGTD - "MoneyPenny"
"If one thing matters, everything matters" - from the book The Shack

[edward ericson]

Yeah, man!

[newkitman]

Been working the chassis all day and my arms and shoulders are worn out from chiseling off the old pan piece along the tunnel. Ghia pans are welded every inch. This beetle pan was welded every 1/2 inch and at the front and rear corners someone bead welded it. What a pain. But I feel good with my progress this weekend. Can’t weld in the 4-1/2 inch panel opposite the pedal cluster until I get the drivers side pan welded in and the pedal cluster installed. Passenger side is done. All in all a good TD work weekend. Thanks everyone for the help and encouragement. newkitman2013-01-13 18:31:15

Allen Caron
VW based 53MGTD - "MoneyPenny"
"If one thing matters, everything matters" - from the book The Shack

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