I have a 71 lark custom with an original console and horseshoe shifter the shifter handle has about 1\4 to 1/2 inch of play in it dont know if theres a bushing or just a loose or worn nut assembly thats causing this.Not even sure how the console comes apart to look at it. Is there a kit or something available to get rid of the shifter play? or is it just a matter of tightning it?
I would take it apart first. The problem should be apparent once you do that. There is a plated plastic clip running down the middle of the handle. Pry the clip out on one side and then the other, and pull it off. There are 2 springs underneath that lift right off pegs on the trigger. There are 2 small screws on each side of the handle, remove them and the handle pulls right off the shifter. Pry up the long plastic emblem on the front of the console. There are 2 screws underneath, remove them. Inside the console compartment, at the back, are 2 screws and a plate. Remove them and the console lifts off the floor. I would also examine the cable connection down at the transmission. See if you can see any slop there before taking things apart. Look at the simple stuff first.
As Larry said, they're not too hard to get apart. Usually, you'll see where the slop is once you examine it. It could be where the shifter uprights attach to the actually mechanism with two bolts, the brackets on the shift rod on the trans or clips that hold the cable in place. Once place to check is if your column is attached and indicates the correct gear is to see if there is slack in the column part. That can eliminate transmission selector bracket. Post some pics if you can't find it and we'll probably be able to point you in the right direction.
