I have a 67 Firebird and it has a rod system for the throttle linkage. There is a 1/2" nut on the firewall down buy the gearbox bolts that keeps coming loose!

I have tightened it 3 times now and it's a pig to get to!
When it come loose the throttle linkage does not return and the revs stay up. I got the car out yesterday and the revs stayed up to 1500rpm when I blipped the throttle it rose to 2000 then I blipped again 3000rpm so I turned it off.

I had to remove the coil to get better access, it took me 3/4 of an hour and cut and scratches to my hand and wrist to get the thing tight. When I started the car again the throttle response was so crisp you'd think it was a different car.


I think if it comes loose again maybe if I put a thrust washer on there or some lock tight!

Anyone else had this problem and do you have the solution!

The arm that the nut is holding has a square hole that can get rounded out and if the nut is not real tight it will feel sloppy.
You can try a locking nut! (No fun to get to )

I've been collecting the stock parts to convert mine to the 68 Throttle Cable style linkage. Or you could always go with a Lokar or aftermarket cable set up if you didn't mind going that far from stock...

I've had the same issues and have also had the linkage limited in travel by hitting the back of the head... hence getting ready to change it out the next time I pull the motor for detailing... which may be soon.

Brett - 67 Drop Top 455!

Thanks for the replies guys, it is an pig of a place to get to. the last time I tightened it the motor was out when I did my engine swap a few months ago. I have only done 150 miles and it's loose again!

You are not wrong about the limited travel and that area also has the kick down cable bracket and a few more pipes and wires coming through it. I had a lot of trouble setting the throttle linkage when I put the intake and 4bbl Edelbrock carb on there!

I will see how long it stays done up this time and then look into putting a spring washer or some locktite on there. A cable maybe the way to go if this also fails.