As I was leaving tonight's car show I noticed that the gear selector needle in my 68 Delmont 88 wasn't reading in the correct gear. (It said I was in S when in fact I was in drive) When I arrived home and put the car in park the needle broke off completely. How hard is it to repair the selector needle? Do I need to take dash apart or can I take the bottom of the column off to gain access? It was dark when I drove up tonight and didn't want to make the problem worst by fumbling around in the dark. Any suggestions???

 

If It's a column shift, it's just a little cable in the column.

 

I think it was still a hard link instead of a thread back then. You should be able to drop the trim plate under the column and access it. Probably held onto the column by a screw and clamp.

Maybe you'll get lucky and it just fell off!

If it's intact, it can be adjusted for correct indication. Put shifter in drive, then move the pointer until it aligns with D in the dash. Tighten the screw. Move the lever thru all ranges and see if everything lines up.

If it's broke off, junkyard from a 67-68 88 or Ninety Eight. Doubt you'd ever find an NOS one.

 

The gear indicator on my 64 98 broke as well. I haven't gotten into the steering column or dash to fix it yet. I have heard it is an easy fix.

 

I bet my luck it broke off. It felt for a second like it was in a bind with something and I thought I heard a cracking sound. Won't be able to look until friday. I'll let you know.

 

It took a little time before I was able to look BUT it did break and it's only a wire which wraps around the column. I know where a 4 door 88 sits in a junk yard. I just have to wait until thanksgiving to go home and get it. Thanks to all who helped solve this small problem with me.

 

Save the pieces of the broken one for a pattern in case you end up having to make one from scratch.