hotrodhogie wrote:

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I just picked up this sweet 57 Safari that wasn't running or driving.  Now that I have it running, I noticed that it will not shift into reverse.  By that I mean the gear selector will not reach the "R" at the end of the shift pattern.  While the car is running and stopped you can feel each gear selection as you move the shifter but when it gets to reverse I cannot engage it.  

Has anyone else experienced this?  The car has a 283 Powerglide.

Thanks....

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         lots of WD40 or Fluid Film ?    

Derek, I would start by looking over the linkage. Insure that all the linkage bushings are in reasonable serviceable condition. Is the bushing near the bottom of column still in place? If that all looks good, inspect under the car at the trans and confirm freedom of movement and condition of linkage and bushings.....again. If that looks good, pull the linkage bars at the trans and cycle the arms to insure freedom of movement.

If all else fails, as you appear to be in Regina, p m me and I can swing by with the 57 Pontiac service manual and we can see if there is anything else that can be done.

Disconnect the linkage at the trans, then start the lever in "park" & count the shifts to reverse. If it goes into reverse you could jack the rear whls off the ground & confirm it will "drive" in reverse [with help from a helper] If that works then the problem is in the shifter arms adjustment!!! Pete

FIXED!!!!! Linkage adjustment....then on my way home in my 64 Safari, I pulled into my garage and my upper control arm fell off!!!! Who ever thought that more cars = more problems!!!!