1961 T-5 Coupe shifter linkage

[Steve Turino]

Hello all
New member here, I bought my 61 super coupe in November and have been doing a lot of reading and searching around the forum to try to educate myself about my new (old) toy. One thing that I believe would help the drivability of my 356 would be to re-do the shifter bushings as described in the article I found here by Ron LaDow. Is this article specific to the C cars only or is it applicable to the B cars as well. I have some mechanical skills but next to no experience with these cars. I am wondering if Stoddards can set me up with everything I would need to do the job or if there is another forum member or vendor that can point me in the best direction.
Thank you in advance for any help, really love the forum, what a great resource.
Steve Turino

[Mike Wilson]

Steve:

Welcome to the Talk List and the 356 Community.

There are a few bushings in the shifter system that wear out including the shift coupler, guide ring and cup on the shifter itself. If you Google the topic, I'm sure there are discussions, diagrams and probably U Tube videos on replacing them. Also, there are some very knowledgeable people on this forum that can weigh in with their expertise. If you add your location to your profile, there are most likely people near you that might be willing to lend you a hand.

Mike

[Doug McDonnell]

With Ron's article you should be able to redo your bushings. Be aware that some cars have had their linkages updated to later linkage. Just determine what is in your car and then order the correct parts with help of sales person at Stoddard. I have used Maurice as my sales person for many years.He is very helpful. Or other parts source listed in Vendors. Most are very helpful. Since it is sometimes hard to find what you need on their website I recommend you get their catalog with your first order. Mention you are a Registry member for a discount. I have replaced the bushings on every 356 I have owned. It is amazing how well they shift when all is as it left the factory. Post a picture of your shifter and heater knob and we might be able to point you to correct diagram and parts. https://klasse356.com/catalog/showItems ... tegory=SHL

[Doug McDonnell]

911 Coupler video but 356 similar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAD0PoC8mzo and see Jim B's warning about the parts diagrams here: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=12764

[Doug McDonnell]

Steve some useful information about different peace pipes and couplers in this link: viewtopic.php?f=4&t=38752&p=281851&hili ... es#p281851

[Bill Lawless]

I have a 61' B Super Coupe also.. One thing I did about 2 years ago was update the coupler to the newer C version. Shifting was a lot nicer..
Early Style on Top, C style on Bottom

Screen Shot 2018-03-31 at 3.15.45 PM.png (133.92 KiB) Viewed 997 times

[Steve Turino]

Thank you Mike, Doug and Bill. Great info here. I clearly have more research and exploration to do. My car is chassis #115517 so it seems the later (C) coupler should work. I need to carve out the time to take things apart and see what's in there. My shifter and heater knob is pictured below.

[Doug McDonnell]

You will not know for sure until you take it apart but it looks like you have the later B shifter. That said after 50+ years I alway try to make sure it still has original "guts" before ordering parts. Lots of changes made over the years to some cars.

[Steve Turino]

By the way I am in RI. I am still learning my way around this forum so bear with me. I can't figure out why how to right the orientation of my photos when they appear right side up on my computer and appear upside down or sideways after posting.

[Doug McDonnell]

Not to worry When you click on the picture to enlarge it is correct. Nice cars.

[Steve Turino]

Doug- not sure what you mean by clicking on picture to enlarge is it correct. They appear correct on my phone and computer but not when I post here. I have not had this issue on other forums.

[Doug McDonnell]

Like old Porsches this website has it's quirks. If you left click on the picture it enlarges/ at least it does only computer.

[Steve Turino]

oh yeah, I see what you mean, left click and it enlarges and flips it, weird.