Where can I find shift BBB fork part? Or can I keep using my worn one?

Discussion in 'U-shift em' started by 69GS430/TKX, Jul 22, 2021.

  1. 69GS430/TKX

    69GS430/TKX Silver Level contributor

    1969 GS 400 with manual trans. I pulled the shift fork out of the bellhousing to clean and lube it as part of an upgrade to the TKX. I noticed the spring steel tang that hold the rim of the throwout bearing is worn, it's gone in one place. Since this part is replaceable, I am looking for a source for a repro one, or good used one. Or, if that fails, do you think I can keep using my worn one? If I do, will total failure be imminent? Pics attached to show you what I'm talking about, let me know if they don't work. I don't always get pics to go through. Thanks for any help you can give. I wanna get my Buick on the road again, ASAP!
     

    Attached Files:

  2. 69GS430/TKX

    69GS430/TKX Silver Level contributor

  3. You're welcome. Glad to help. I believe Jason Cook or someone posted that here long ago. I've installed one myself and it's held up great.
     
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  4. 69GS430/TKX

    69GS430/TKX Silver Level contributor

    I look forward to the one I ordered getting here. It's good to know there is a source for these, and I have bookmarked the Vette site. What's weird is that given the price of this spring, sold all by itself, you could theoretically save money by buying an entire shift fork, made (in China) for a Chevy, on Amazon or Ebay for maybe $40 with free shipping. Not much more than this spring costs by itself ($20 plus $10 shipping) and then cannibalize it for the spring and put it on your OEM Buick fork, and re-sell the Chevy fork minus the spring.
     
  5. timesublime

    timesublime Well-Known Member

    ^Corvette tax.
     
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  6. 69GS430/TKX

    69GS430/TKX Silver Level contributor

    LOL, that's what I used to say when buying parts from Mid America for my '67 Vette.
     
  7. Clarkie

    Clarkie Well-Known Member

    My BBB clutch fork had the same problem. I bought a small block fork from TA Performance and robbed it of the spring.
     
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  8. 69GS430/TKX

    69GS430/TKX Silver Level contributor

    Ah, glad I am not the only one who has had this problem, and I'm glad the robbery solution really was a feasible solution!
     
  9. knucklebusted

    knucklebusted Well-Known Member

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  10. 69GS430/TKX

    69GS430/TKX Silver Level contributor

    I found those, too, and was tempted to go for it, but I wasn't sure the spring's dimensions would be identical to the BBB one. (They probably are identical, or close enough)

    The one I ended up getting, from the Corvette guys, is not identical to the original that was on my GS400 when I bought it. The upward bends at both the throwout bearing end and the ball-engagement end are radiused to be at a slightly different angle. But
    it should work.
     
  11. GS Spoken Here

    GS Spoken Here Well-Known Member

    I know this is an old post but how did you re-attach the spring, the original one is riveted on. thanks
     
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  12. Deogi2

    Deogi2 GSX - #380

    When I did mine. The new one will come w a rivet and I used a ball peen hammer w a vice and socket to smash rivet.

    upload_2023-11-11_15-15-14.jpeg upload_2023-11-11_15-16-25.jpeg
     
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  13. GS Spoken Here

    GS Spoken Here Well-Known Member

    Thanks for the reply , where did you get the new spring with the rivet?
     
  14. Deogi2

    Deogi2 GSX - #380

  15. GS Spoken Here

    GS Spoken Here Well-Known Member

    Thanks, I will order one.
     

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