Can't get into 3rd gear

Could your shift plate be loose on the tunnel?

Could it be that you have a replica Hurst shifter made by EMPI? These have cheap rivets holding the assembly together. My whole shifter came off at a stop light. Before it came completely off I had similar problems as yours. I now use a Vintage Speed shifter. 

If above is ok - check the $1 shift rod bushing just behind shifter, shift rod coupler (under rear inspection plate on pan based cars) throw out arm (welds crack) and the clutch cable (strands break and they stretch. Might first try to adjust clutch cable.

Thanks for getting back to me so fast Lane. Actually that was the first thing I looked at but only a cursory look and feel.  It very well could have moved on me. I hope I put registration marks when I worked on it the last time. I will let you know what I find.   Also Lane, I think you run a 1914  by Patrick Downs don't you? What temperatures do normally have?

Thanks for getting back to me Rusty, I do not have a replica Hurst. Everything I have is basically stock from a 1974 Karman. At least as far as the transaxle goes. When I built the car I had problems with the shifting and I looked into an upgrade shifter and people warned me about that till I had the problem worked out. It turns out that I had welded the shift tube incorrectly . Once I fixed that problem all was well till now.

 

That's highly likely. Put it in neutral. In bolt it. Reinsert it and let the shifter find neutral. Bolt back down.....or you can follow these directions for adjustment. http://youtu.be/IVcDysBVwq0

> On Jul 27, 2015, at 2:40 PM, SpeedsterOwners.com <alerts@hoop.la> wrote:
>

Peter - Yes, Pat Downs built my engine, although I am told it is a 1915 rather than a 1914, not that 1 cc would make any difference.  My temp gauge does not show numbers as it is the standard Speedster one with a red area toward the right.  I have never seen it past the half-way position even in the hottest South Carolina weather or after a long slow on the interstate.  I have a sump extension and the engine is full-flowed with an external oil filter and a Setrab cooler with thermostatically-controlled fan.  My oil capacity is on the order of six quarts.  It also still has the standard VW doghouse cooler in the shroud.

Thanks to all who posted suggestions at what my problem could be. I spent a bit of time today fussing with the shift plate and so far that seems to have solved the problem. Anyone know where to get the tiny clips that hold the "speedster emblem" on the car? The pins for the emblems I have are about 1/16 of an inch and none of the parts stores or body shops have anything that small.  Now the newest problem. I am no longer able to bend down far enough to climb into the car. I think I need to cut off one or both legs or maybe remove my butt.   Lane Anderson, Rusty Smith,Tom Blankinship and Wolfgang  (I think that is everyone) thanks again for your help.   Bob Peterson

Unless you "Dremel" the FG thinner the emblem clips won't cinch.  Clear silicon or even superglue in holes are what most use to secure them (or cut all the pins off and save drilling holes in body then use 3M emblem mount double sided foam tape). 

I have a solution for your new problem, albeit one that only works with the top down. To enter:

1. Approach car with enthusiasm - you are going to drive a Speedster after all.
2. Open driver's door - always a good idea.
3. Step up into car while still standing - provides a great spectacle for any audience.
4. Sit down - helps one reach the controls.

To exit:

1. Reverse the above procedure

Glad I could help 

Getting in and out of these cars can be a challenge for those of us getting a bit stiffer in the joints.

 

Getting into the Driver's side, I just put my right foot into the foot well, gently hold the steering wheel (carefully avoiding the temptation of using the windshield for a handle) and plop down into the seat, followed by swinging my left leg into the foot well.

 

Getting out is a bit different;  Lean toward the left and place your left hand on the door sill and kind-of rotate yourself out into a standing position, one foot at a time by pushing up and rotating on your left arm.

 

Works for me.  Admittedly, though, I'm still pretty nimble.

 

I've thought of using part of Lane's process at times, though.......When I stop at a highway toll booth and the booth operator is waaaaay up there, it would be easier to just stand up in the seat and get the ticket or pay.  All I need is a quick-disconnect steering wheel.........

 

Ouick disconnect steering wheel...hmmmm?

 

I once owned a Thunderbird that the wheel 'cocked' up and to the right when the driver's door was opened... I always thought that was very cool!...Very clever, but mechanically complicated.

 

But...

Since some builders can incorporate 'cannibalized mechanisms' for roll-up windows in speedsters, then why not a lever-locking tilt wheel knuckle????

 

I's actually easier for me to get into the speedster than the 912.

For the VS I sit down side saddle. Then gripping the wheel torque my torso from the butt up and gracefully slide both legs in together...Whereas with the 912 the right leg gets stuffed under the wheel first, then I have to pull, bend and twist my left leg in with my hands...it's always a reminder of how frigg'n old I am.  

 

 

How about a removable race car style steering wheel?

> On Aug 4, 2015, at 11:10 AM, SpeedsterOwners.com <alerts@hoop.la> wrote:
>

Tom,

 

A Mario Andretti solution would certainly work especially with a 550 since it already screams "RACE CAR!"...but a great part of owning and driving a speedster is IMAGE!!!  The 'projected image' of both the vehicle and the driver  screams SOPHISTICATION, CLASS, CHARM...

 

It simply isn't graceful, or cool, to enter or exit a speedster with a steering wheel in your hand....Besides, you need both hands free to acknowledge the applause and thumbs-up from admiring spectators.  

Yeah, we're doing a "themed" 356 party this weekend and the theme is "356's in the movies".

 

Could go as James Dean in his Speedster - blue jeans, white T-shirt with a pack of Camels rolled up in the sleeve (and one tucked behind the ear) and my hair slicked back into a pseudo-DA, or as Steve McQueen as a passenger in his wife's Cabriolet in "Bullit", wearing a silk T-shirt and a tweed jacket.

 

What'cha think?

On second thought, I'm only a little, skinny guy and could go as "Doc Hollywood" - He was slight of build, too.

 

Now......Where could I get a big Sow to walk around on a leash with me?

Now that question just screams for a good joke, but I am sadly out of them.

Or there's Eddie Murphy from "48 Hours" ;-)

> On Aug 4, 2015, at 2:39 PM, SpeedsterOwners.com <alerts@hoop.la> wrote:
>

You could go as Kelly McGillis from "Top Gun".

Or Alec Baldwin from the Capital One commercial.