th350 trans linkage

[blue shark]

I'm new to this forum, and I hope this is the right place for this. I have a 71 RS and a buddy of mine and I just rebuilt the motor. Pulled motor and trans together and replaced together. Car sat outside under a cover for a year and a half. Motor is up and running, went to take for a test drive and can't get the car out of park. Pulled the linkage off trans end and shifter still won't budge, but the shifter on the side of the trans moves freely. Pulled the console to discover the cable is the part that is sticking. Undid cable linkage at shifter end and shifter moves freely. Reattached and cable still will not let shifter move out of park. The safety switch has been overrided by previous owner and ignition is on. Could the cable be rusted inside the sheath? I've never messed with the linkage before, but shouldn't the cable move easily? It worked fine before and we put it back the same as it was. It looks right according to the diagrams in the shop manual. Anybody have any ideas?

[SSE 4 2SS]

hey Blue Shark,

Welcome to Camaro5... I have moved the post to the proper forum for a second Gen Camaro. Hopefully some of the resident members will speak up, but yes, It is very possible for a cable to rust up inside the sheath... My recommendation would be to replace the shifter cable. Yes, you could use penetrating oils and whatnot to free the cable, but what kind of shape is it in inside the sheath... It may be on the verge of breaking...

The cable should move very freely and if it isn't, It's time to replace that or risk being stranded on the side of the road or in a parking lot somewhere...

Be sure to post up some pics of the car when you get a chance....

I'm actually looking for a second or early third gen to build for my son...