This is a random pic off the net, but mine looks similar. Is there supposed to be some sort of retainer or rivet or something at this slotted opening? I know the release lever is supposed to move, but is there supposed to be some kind of bolt or something in there to limit the motion? Otherwise, what is the purpose of the slot? Referring to inside the red circle in the pic.

Someone knows this one... a little help?

A tab from the release lever to limit travel...

There should be a stop lever tang. Not crucial but that is what stops the lever from going to far.
Jules

Mine appears to be missing. Is it just a bent over tab of metal from the release or is it something that can be replaced. Whatever it is, mine aint there....

I seem to have too much motion in my release lever. It would be nice if it were tighter. Its real sloppy.

Just a bent over tab that stops the lever from going to far.
Jules

Yep. Not there. I stuck a small bolt in there from behind and threaded a nut on the front side. It improved the functionality quite a bit... of course it doesn't look right. I don't care enough to buy an entire assembly to replace it though.

When it's mounted in the car no ones gonna see it...

indeed. I used a stainless acorn nut on the exposed side anyhow, so it really doesn't look bad anyway. I'm just about getting this sucker back on the street at this point! Doing nobody any good locked up in my shop like it has been for the last couple years... A few more weeks and we'll be back in the action!

You can see by the picture I took, mine isn't pretty but it goes down the road just fine...

Looks fine to me.

For those who have stumbled on this thread several years in the future who happen to have the same weird problem with the missing "tang"...

This bolt solution I have come up with is only a temporary fix. The bolt head catches on the ratchet arm from time to time since it is a pretty tight fit. The real way to fix this is to either replace the part or fix it by welding/grinding a piece of donor metal.

Once I have the car back on the road and have worked through the more serious bugs, I will remove the assembly and repair it correctly.

Hard for anyone to see when you are smiling and cruising down the road...

Actually both those pictures are mine. I did both those units.
Jules

IF should you go looking for one, be warned it's a 1970 E-body only lever assy

1971 E-boy attaches to the cable differently
1970 B-body has a different style pedal arm

Good to know. But I can weld/fab and this one is definitely fixable.

By the way Bill, I found some extra firewall nails and I made a pretty cool grommet for the release handle. Worked really well.