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Old 06-26-2016, 06:58 PM   #1
Rand
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Default 50 Merc transmissions shifter arm location

Help please so I can get my car back in the garage...my 3 on the tree gear shift is all bound up...where should the transmission arms be for first gear? Which one up ? Which one down?
And who rebuilds steering columns?
I can't even find parts
Tks
50 merc
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Old 06-26-2016, 07:05 PM   #2
19Fordy
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Default Re: 50 Merc transmissions shifter arm location

I can't tell you exactly, but I think the steering arms are hooked up to the column when the transmission is in neutral. Hope that helps.
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Old 06-27-2016, 10:20 AM   #3
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Default Re: 50 Merc transmissions shifter arm location

After thought.
Post your question on HAMB as quite a few folks there have 49-51 Mercs.
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Old 06-27-2016, 10:27 AM   #4
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Default Re: 50 Merc transmissions shifter arm location

Two Arms 3 positions Middle is Neutral , Back Lever is for low and reverse Down is Low! Dave
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Old 06-27-2016, 10:34 AM   #5
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Default Re: 50 Merc transmissions shifter arm location

I don't know if you've solved your problem yet but the first thing you have to do is get the transmission in neutral (both arms in midpoint). If you can do that, it will likely shift at least into low gear. Something is not right with the shift rod adjustments or your column shift tube has problems. I've changed one of those over the years due to the nubs getting worn down. It could also be a problem with the shifting mechanism or the way the gears fit on the main output shaft but I haven't had much trouble there over the years.

The front arm actuates the 2nd & 3rd synchro. The rear arm actuated the low reverse gears (non synchro). If you have overdrive, there can also be problems there.
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Old 06-27-2016, 09:25 PM   #6
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Default Re: 50 Merc transmissions shifter arm location

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Update: I was able to disconnect the shift rods. Push back lever down and get it into 1st. And got the car in the garage. I haven't tore into it yet. But I think I may need a shift cone? Thanks to all for your help! On the hunt for a shift cone now
Randy
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Old 06-28-2016, 09:40 AM   #7
rotorwrench
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Default Re: 50 Merc transmissions shifter arm location

There are a lot of different terms or nomenclature for parts but I don't know about anything with a cone in it. The brass blocker rings are conical shaped on the inside but that is about all I can think of. I think of cone and I think of an old Model T clutch.
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Old 06-28-2016, 06:14 PM   #8
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Default Re: 50 Merc transmissions shifter arm location

The thing the gear shift lever connects to...
Or... a column cone?
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Old 06-28-2016, 07:20 PM   #9
51 MERC-CT
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Default Re: 50 Merc transmissions shifter arm location

Suppose you could call it a 'cone' but it's really the 'socket assembly'.
Most likely if there is a problem in that area it's where the shift leaver socket plugs into the shift column tube. Have seen a couple where the tube has excess wear and severe fatigue cracks.
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File Type: jpg socket assy.jpg (32.2 KB, 7 views)
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Old 06-28-2016, 09:34 PM   #10
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Default Re: 50 Merc transmissions shifter arm location

Yup 51MERC-CT
Sounds like you described what mine looks like
Know where I can find another one?
Randy
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Old 06-29-2016, 04:04 AM   #11
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Default Re: 50 Merc transmissions shifter arm location

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rand View Post
Yup 51MERC-CT
Sounds like you described what mine looks like
Know where I can find another one?
Randy
Don't know if you mean the pot metal 'socket assy' or the shift tube.
If the shift tube is cracked, it can be weld repaired and doesn't have to be replaced. Just pay attention to the fit into the slot in the socket assy.
The selector tabs on the bottom of the tube should be in place.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg b.jpg (37.6 KB, 16 views)
File Type: jpg c.jpg (38.8 KB, 16 views)
File Type: jpg e.jpg (41.2 KB, 16 views)
File Type: jpg f.jpg (36.6 KB, 16 views)
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Old 06-29-2016, 06:46 AM   #12
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Default Re: 50 Merc transmissions shifter arm location

Wow those pics are really helpful
Thanks, I haven't had time to tear into mine to really see what's broken. Is there anybody who rebuilds these things?
Randy
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Old 06-29-2016, 07:03 AM   #13
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Default Re: 50 Merc transmissions shifter arm location

My 3 on the tree problem was it would not shift in to 1st gear. Rear transmission mounts were shot. Allowed the shift arm to hit the wishbone. Put a jack under the trans and left it up. Try shifting. OR remove the two rods from the column at the transmission, move the transmission arms back and forward to find the center indent. That's neutral. Try shifting with the arms still loose for binding in the column linkage. Put column in neutral and check linkage arms for right length to to connect back to transmission arms.
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Old 06-29-2016, 10:16 AM   #14
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Default Re: 50 Merc transmissions shifter arm location

If the engine mount and aft transmission mount rubber cushions sag from age, the transmission shifting mechanism can get out of adjustment. It can also get the clutch equalizer shaft out of alignment.

The shift bowl & tube can be removed after removal of the steering wheel. It's not too bad a job. I've seen NOS shift tubes on flea-pay. There was a guy on the HAMB that had some to sell while back. They can be brazed up and recontoured if they aren't too worn or cracked out. The shift bowl likes to wear out where the fulcrum pin holds the shift lever. The old pot metal eventually gives out around that pin.

The rubber bushings in the transmission shift arms eventually fall to pieces but there are new ones available if you can get them installed without destroying the brass grommet. The originals had soft brass grommets (much like a tarpaulin has in the corners) to hold the rubber cushion but the repro parts are machined brass so they have to be carefully swaged to get them installed. Don't you just love these old cars!
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Old 07-04-2016, 12:20 PM   #15
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Default Re: 50 Merc transmissions shifter arm location

steering shaft.jpg

This is what I did trying to remove my accessory steering wheel to get to the shift cone with the steering wheel puller.. What!?! do i do now? look close at the steering shaft
Randy
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Old 07-04-2016, 12:38 PM   #16
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Default Re: 50 Merc transmissions shifter arm location

shift cone.jpg

Shift cone...note worn shift lever pin
I beleave this shift cone is for an automatic? This is not an automatic. It was put on by the previous owner over 35 years ago =/

What do I do now?

Thanks,
Randy
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Old 07-04-2016, 01:11 PM   #17
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Default Re: 50 Merc transmissions shifter arm location

They make these for Model A's, maybe you can do the same. That is why
you always leave the nut on the end of a shaft when using a puller.

Bob
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Old 07-04-2016, 01:23 PM   #18
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Default Re: 50 Merc transmissions shifter arm location

Damn.... I knew that!
I'm can be really dumb sometimes
What is that Bob C and how goes it work?
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Old 07-04-2016, 02:23 PM   #19
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Default Re: 50 Merc transmissions shifter arm location

See the link for description and instructions. http://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/st...-thread-repair

Bob
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Old 07-04-2016, 03:12 PM   #20
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Default Re: 50 Merc transmissions shifter arm location

Might be better off getting a new steering shaft. You can replace the whole shaft or just weld on a new upper part. Anyway you go about it the whole column and steering box is going to have to come out.
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