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The gearshift linkage problem is interesting. Your column looks to be in the same position relative to the steering box as mine. Because of the way the shift tube is fastened at the top end and mates with the operator lever I don't think it is possible to change the location of the shift tube on the steering column. Brings up a few possibilities for the angle of the turnbuckles. One would be somehow the engine and idler assy has shifted which doesn't seem likely the way the engine and transmission mounts bolt to the crossmembers or maybe the steering box location has changed or box was replaced with a different year.

A third possibility would be the shift levers themselves are not correct. The bracket for the reverse light switch on yours appears to be bent out to angle the switch plunger toward the R-1 lever to catch it on the side whereas on mine it is straight and plunger meets the lever in the middle. I am wondering if possibly the levers were changed and an incorrect set was installed on yours. Levers are the same on Clipper based models 41 thru 50 but change for 51-4. A later set might not have the same offset as the Clipper pieces. Shift tube and internal parts remain the same 41-54 so I believe the later levers would easily install on the tube. Would be nice if there was a side view on yours to compare our two sets of levers as far as the shape or offset or if someone has a side view of a later set to compare.

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Is this the same as what you have on your cars?

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Can't tell just looking at them but I would guess they are because parts book lists the pieces in the idler assy on the 41 different and then was changed and same on later Clipper based models 42 thru 50.

Howard, I looked at some pictures of the Super Clipper and it has the linkage pointing down also and the parts manual looks like that also. But I need to look into why the arms look like there at an angle and not straight across.
Wes

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It is a puzzlement as to why such an angle between the levers and idler is present. If the levers are correct and motor or steering box did not shift, the only other thing I can see that could be responsible for a misposition would be the engine mount for the idler levers.

I had a serious amount of wear down at the bracket bottom where the bent piece is secured resulting in the idlers flopping side to side when shifting. If yours is seriously worn or someone tried to replace the bracket with one with holes in a different spot or if the bracket is tightened down at an angle any of those conditions could move the upper end of the idler enough to cause a problem. If the short side of the 90 degree shaft is a different length then that too could move the idler levers and also cause the misalignment.

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It looks like the adjustable connecting links on Wes's car are installed on the wrong side of the levers on the shifter shaft. They need to go on from the lower side facing up and not from the upper side facing down as installed.

Would there be any difference between Clipper 6, 8 and Super 8 in this linkage? Maybe off a different engine?

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Egad! Such a simple thing and it even shows them coming from the opposite side on one of my photos and in the parts diagram and I missed them both. Glad there is someone on this site with an eye for detail to catch silly things like that.

As to the question if there are differences between models, according to the parts book no. Except for the 41 version being different, all the 42 and later cars thru 50 use the same assy.

Well it looks like I'm going to have to dig in a little deeper. Finally took the car out for a spin and found the shifting felt a little strange. Most Three On the Tree, I find it pretty easy finding neutral but that's not the case here, so I'll see what I can find and get back to you all.
Wes

I still haven't figure out what's up the shifter linkage but before diving in to deeply I figure I would look at a few other things first. Had my son help me check the lights and found all were working except the Left Turn Signal. Started checking bulbs and found the insulation on the wire was coming off, plus it looks like someone had replaced the wire once before. Got new wire from Rhode Island Wiring Service and installed it looks pretty. Also notice the gas gauge wasn't working. I finally cut a hole in the trunk and working on installing a generic sender that I talked about before. So now I'm going to put it to the test.
Wes

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