OH NO first big problem with my 63 190

[IrishBenz]

I couldnt put it in reverse so I looked under the hood and saw that a bushing for the linkage had come out. After a little work I got the bushing a little back in there.

I went to put it in reverse and still couldnt get it so I just pulled it forward and got out and looked back and the whole section of the linkage was laying on the road.

Any ideas? maybe bushing kit or something

will look at it tomorrow

PLEASE HELP

email me if you want directly
Torrey.Garrison@white-spunner.com

[Mark DiSilvestro]

The bushings should still be availible from Mercedes or try Phil here at Fastlane. They will need to be pressed in to the ends of the link.
Otherwise, depending on which link has popped off, you could rig a retainer clip from some clotheshanger. I did this on my Ponton 180b many years ago and I think it's still there.

Happy Motoring, Mark

[300SDog]

Also to help you get the knack of finding reverse on the amazing Heckflosse 4 spd column shift after it's been reassembled.....

Try pulling the shifter straight "out" like you are pulling the lever straight out of the column - before moving it towards you and then "up" into reverse gear.

1-4 is straight H pattern.... but R is out, then towards you, then up...... And the "out" pull should be spring loaded too.

[patmccusker]

I have a 1963 220b with automatic trans. The linkage bushing where it connects to the transmission dried out and fell out so I went to the gadget isle in the auto parts store where they sell the little plastic "help" items like Knobs and fasteners and such and found a two dollar bushing meant for a chevy truck and it fit right in. I dont know anything about a standard shifter however. Pat.

[joshhol]

I never knew about pulling "out" the shifter before going back and then up. I'll have to give that a try.

[Mark DiSilvestro]

I don't think the reverse interlock was added to the column shifters until the late '60s.
The column shifter on a '69 280S, that I test drove several years ago, had to be 'pulled out' before reverse gear but neither my '61 Ponton 180b or my '60 Fintail have this feature.

Happy Motoring, Mark