Is there a difference in the shift levers for a 1951 ford f1 3 speed and 4 speed top loader. I can’t seem to get the lever to shift the transmission when fully seated. Yet when I pull it up about 1/2 inch it shifts gears. Attached is photo of my lever. As well as serial for transmission

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If you notice the slot in the shift stick is badly worn and I'm sure you'll find the pin and the hole in the tower are also badly worn. When you lift the stick your bringing it into a position of no wear. The pin, slot in the finger and hole in the tower are to keep the flat sides of the stick finger straight so it will only travel forward and back and prevent rotation left or right. When the stick rotates left or right it allows the finger to select 2 shift rails and the reason you can't shift. If you can't locate a shift stick in good condition, you need to have the worn section built up with weld and the slot ground to match the area of no wear. Get a new pin.

As far as the hole in the tower that the pin is trapped in when the cover cap is screwed on. We have drilled it slightly larger hole, got or made an oversize pin the would fit the over size hole and widen the slot you have welded to match the pin. I would say just a new pin and repair the stick finger would get you shifting again.

Let us know how you make out, Cap

 

ah that makes total,sense. Ok. Since this is more or less toast I’ll build it up and grind it down. Meantime I’ll look for a newer one.
Tx so much Eric
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