How to adjust shift indicator needle on a 1957 Cadillac

[55 CDV Fan 82]

My shift indicator is off as it reads between P and D when its in Park and nearly disappears when I put it in Reverse.  Is this an easy adjustment or do I have to pull dash components off in order to correct this?

[marty55cdv]

  There is a plate that comes off the bottom of the steering Column, it is held on with a couple of decorative screws, the pointer mounts in that area behind it and you can adjust it there.

[Jon S]

  There is a plate that comes off the bottom of the steering Column, it is held on with a couple of decorative screws, the pointer mounts in that area behind it and you can adjust it there.

It is held on with a small nut/screw and has fore/aft left/right adjustment.  It can fall in your hand if you loosen it too much and be careful not to mess up the red paint as you adjust it because it can rub on surrounding areas.  Ask me how I know.

[cadparts58]

Tim,
  If you take the lower cover off the steering column you should see where the indicator is attached to the column. There is one screw that holds it in and can be adjusted by loosening the screw and moving the indicator up or down. It has an elongated hole for adjustment. If the original screws are on the cover they can be a bear to loosen. They almost look like reverse torx head screws, but are not. You may be able to get them loose with pliers. They are the only screws on the car that are made that way. Hope this helps. Frank

[55 CDV Fan 82]

Okay that seems really easy to do.  I'll give it a try over the weekend.  Thanks!

[markcoombs]

Hi all the gear position indicator has fallen off on my 1960 cadillac and it no longer starts wondering if the two are connected and if anyone can provide advice on how to reinstall thanks

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

G'day Mark,

Is the car LHD or converted to RHD?

Firstly, the gear indicator is not connected to the ignition system, but is just an indicator needle that shows the gear position when it is correctly adjusted.

The Neutral Start-safety Switch is actuated by the gear shift shaft that goes down inside the steering column.   This NSS is also the Reversing Light switch, and the Auto Park Brake Release, which is Vacuum operated.

Now, could it be possible that the indicator has fallen off and managed to short out some wiring that affects the Starting circuit?

Next, does the Reversing Lights come on when moving the gear lever?   And did the Park Brake release when going out of Park, with the engine running before this current problem?

Bruce.

[55 CDV Fan 82]

Should be an easy fix.  On my 57 it was attached by a small bracket and bolt screw.  Mine was loose and I was able to adjust it properly.  Its amazing how easy these cars are to fix/work on.

[markcoombs]

Thanks All appreciate your advice my car is LHD Bruce great to hear its not connected to ignition system will check out the starting circuit and reverse lights and get back to you