i have a set of beautiful lightning rods but the 1/2 and 2/3 shifter would not shift. i took it all apart and found there are little clips that hold a spring loaded rod in place on the bottom of each shifter. this clip looks like a spring ring type of clip that is used also for a bushing to guide the rod into place as you use it. does anyone know where to get these clips? i will try to post a picture of it later.

 

Eric, if you don't find the answer here you might try over at Oldspower.com There's a lot of members with the 1978-88 vintage Oldsmobiles on that site.
John

http://www.oldspower.com/vb/index.php

 

thanks john, i just registered there. here are some pictures of what i am talking about.

100_1578.jpg?t=1302980969

100_1582.jpg?t=1302981052

100_1579.jpg?t=1302981081

 

i think i have an idea. i am going to take one of the levers to the hardware store and see if i can find a roll pin that fits right. if i can i will try to cut it real easy so i don't get it hot and loose the temper. i hope it works because i don't know what else to do.

 

I can't tell from the pics if it is a Hurst set up, but if you can't find the parts you can always have them rebuild it for you if it is a Hurst. Hopefully this helps.

http://www.hurst-shifters.com/c.7230...r_rebuild.html


Scot

 

thanks, i didn't know they still did this. i was told they shut down the rebuild service. i just wonder if they will sell me just the little spring rings? i don't need them to rebuild it. this one don't have any wear other than the two little broke rings.

 

Hmm it's worth a try. I suppose you could contact them tomorrow.
Scot

 

The guys there at oldsgmail.com might be able to help, also...
They specialize in the G body Cutlass.

 

I am the original owner of an 83 H/O. There was one time that my linkage got stuck and I was unable to get it to shift out of first (handle locked up). Got the car to my dealer and they cleaned and regreased the linkage. Has been fine for the last 20 plus years. I know your issue is different but the dealer advised routine lubrication of the mechanism to keep it free and from prematurely wearing out parts. I have always worried about finding parts for this linkage. Please let us know if you find a source or repair option. Good luck.

 

oldspower.com has a bunch of G body guys also
http://www.oldspower.com/vb/showthre...ight%27ing+rod

 

lol, i called them and he said there is a reason they are so expensive when you find a good one. they don't rebuild them and don't make parts for them. they said that there is no chance of ever doing them. he was a cool guy to talk to but just couldn't help. he said he knew of a NOS one that just sold for $1500. looks like i will have to try the roll pin like i mentioned. i signed up for the other boards but they have not approved me yet.

 

Man that stinks , I am truly sorry to hear that. I wish I could help, maybe someone can on one of the sites. Maybe if you have a competent machine shop nearby they could fab some up for you. Good luck either way. I hope they (Hurst) don't pull that with me if I need them. My dual gate is supposed to have a lifetime warranty, but then again is 39 years a lifetime to them??
Scot

 

Try this guy.
Angelo Valentini
At the Oldsgmail Store or
5014 Elm Street
Skokie,Il 60077
847-845-0442 A fellow member of the Olds G-body mailing list, he now offers good reproductions of Lightning Rod shifter bezels, boots, and he's a distributor for Stencils and Stripes. He also offers a Lightning Rods rebuild service and frequently has many parts and/or a few sets on hand for sale.

 

i ask about the other shifters. he said that an OEM dual gate is $175 if there are no major components bad and you don't need the stick chromed. a competition plus is $275.

 

i'll try that, thanks.

 

I've got my fingers crossed for you, I couldn't tell how old/new that thread was. Good luck!!
Scot

 

is this guy 88hurstolds on gbodyforum?
http://gbodyforum.com/viewtopic.php?...25456&start=15
i can't get anyone to confirm me on the other boards and can't get in touch with the guy above? i have some real good ideas how to fix this problem but if i can just get the rings i would rather do that.

 

Were you ever able to locate replacement Spring Retainer Rings for your Lightning Rods? One of mine cracked and locked up my shifter, and I'd like to have a true replacement instead of creating my own. I would appreciate knowing what you ended up doing to remedy yours. Thank you! Dan K.

 

Long overdue update. I did use a roll pin to fix this. I can't remember the size but cut it to the same width as the original and it press fit right in like the original.

 

I am trying to pull a Hurst Lightning Rod Shifter apart that has been in a huge fire when the shifter was in the Park position .
I have finally got the main lever to move from Park through to Drive .
I cannot move the center lever from Drive back to 2nd .
My main question is " What positions do all the levers have to be in so i can pull this shifter fully apart " ?