Front gearshift rod connection to rear gearshift rod

[DicDoc]

I have a 1973 crossover kombi and to refurbish the gearshift rods/bushes I had to sacrifice the front gearshift rod (it was well rusted to the rear rod). My replacement front gearshift rod has only 2 holes to take the coupling screw whereas the original rod had 3 (the one in the middle looked like it had been drilled by a previous owner). When I tried to connect up the front and rear gearshift rods today, using either of the 2 holes, I find that the gear lever socket is too far to the right or too far to the left so it is not possible to engage the gear-lever ball. I cannot find anything in Bentley’s to help me, or on the various forums (including this one). Am I missing something, being particularly stupid, or do I have to drill a 3rd hole (which doesn’t seem right)?
Many thanks in anticipation of your replies.
Richard

 

[sparkywig]

The rear shift rod changed for 1971MY (the rear coupler connection was now straight, rather than slightly angled), and the front shift rod changed for 1973MY (the bush was now a circular bush rather than a pin type).
You could have the scenario where a previous owner may have swapped the rear shift rod, or more likely, the repro parts don't fit particularly well.
It's not a biggy to redrill another hole for the coupling screw.

 

[DicDoc]

Thanks sparkywig. The rear rod is straight so it may be as you describe. I’ll drill a new hole to get the job done.
R

 

[garytype2]

Any problems I have replacements on ebay