Hi folks.
In a thread started by someone else, I shared issues I have had from time to time getting into 2nd gear when downshifting from 3rd, and sometimes back to 1st. I have a Vintage Speed shifter in a new VMC.
I have attempted several times to adjust the shifter base and stop plate, but the stop plate is as far over to the passenger side as it will go. I have even trimmed the carpet underneath the shifter base and stop plate. I play with it, it seems to improve, then some time later it recurs.
Yesterday, after a handful of uneventful drives, the problem arose again. While stopped at a four way stop sign, I could not get it in first and was forced to limp through the intersection in third. 
I pulled over, moved the shifter around several times including reverse and was finally able to get it into first. I was close to home so first and second was enough. (I normally never have a problem going from reverse to 1st, or from 1st to 2nd but once in 3rd coming back to 2nd is the problem).
Once at home I uncovered the access plate to the shift rod coupler (?). With the engine off and the clutch pedal depressed, I went through the gears and watched the movement of the coupler. I started in reverse, then 1st, then 2nd and 3rd. All seemed OK. Then d/s to 2nd and it would not go into 2nd as could be seen by the position and movement of the coupler. But if I put my hand on the coupler and just helped it rotate a bit (passenger side down, or clockwise as viewed looking forward), it would go into 2nd. Once in 2nd (or 1st), it seemed tight meaning there was very little rotational play, especially compared to 3rd/4th. It appears to me the shift rod just needs to be rotated a bit more to allow entry into 2nd and 1st, but I have been unable to adjust my shifter to provide the range of rotation needed.
It seems to me that the position of the shift rod, and more importantly the cup at the end of the rod, is such that it is asking my shifter to be adjusted to the extreme end of adjustment range, and it just isn’t quite enough to maintain a reliable alignment. Therefore I’m getting inconsistent results.
If that is true, then I’m wondering if there is some other adjustment I can make with the shift rod or coupler to put everything back to something closer to the middle of the shifter adjustment range?
Here is a snap of my shift rod coupler.
To help it get into 2nd or 1st, I would grab the coupler assembly and nudge it in the direction of the arrow while shifting.
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks,
Jon
