Replace gear shift knob - any tips?

[LeaUK]

Hi

Have just received my new knob and adapter from Performance Products and was wondering if anyone has some tips in how to go about removal and fitting.

Thanks
Lea

[elau]

For the '95 model and up, you turn the trim at the bottomm of the shift knob anti-clockwise and pull the knob up. I am not sure if it works the same for your model year.

[Bruce Hat]

I have the procedures for changing the knob on that year SL. Email me. I changed my shift knob. But I was too concerned to tinker with removing the concole, etc. I cut off the orig. knob with a razor knife. Cut off the flat round top on the shaft. (with a small sawzall). Then I secured the new knob on the shaft, worked great. Took 20 minutes. I know this method may not meet the approval of everyone, but I didn't want to mess around with the parts that are tight and been in place for 12 years with no problems. I've heard of people who had problems during and after removing same. Oh well that's just my opinion, but I'm handy and have lots of good tools.

[hifeverz]

Originally posted by Bruce Hat
I have the procedures for changing the knob on that year SL. Email me. I changed my shift knob. But I was too concerned to tinker with removing the concole, etc. I cut off the orig. knob with a razor knife. Cut off the flat round top on the shaft. (with a small sawzall). Then I secured the new knob on the shaft, worked great. Took 20 minutes. I know this method may not meet the approval of everyone, but I didn't want to mess around with the parts that are tight and been in place for 12 years with no problems. I've heard of people who had problems during and after removing same. Oh well that's just my opinion, but I'm handy and have lots of good tools.

Bruce:
You secured the new knob to the shaft . . . with glue, screws?? Please clarify as I too will follow suit.

Thanks,
Hz

[deanyel]

Originally posted by hifeverz
Bruce:
You secured the new knob to the shaft . . . with glue, screws??

I've done this a number of times on 124s - the factory gearshift knobs are so odd. Replacing just the knob gives one a lot more options - different woods, leather, colors, etc. - and lower priced knobs. I've tried a number of different methods over the years and think this is the best - go to a good hardware store, the aisle with all the screws and bolts, etc., find the nylon spacers, they come in various outside diameters, usually about an inch long, find the right outside diameter to fit the inside diameter of the knob, (with spacer inside diameter less than shaft diameter), JB Weld the spacer(s) into the knob, usually two deep, let JB Weld set up, next day drill out the nylon spacers to the exact diameter of the shaft, as tight a fit as you can get, rough up the shaft a little with a file or sandpaper, JB Weld the knob onto the shaft, sit in the driver's seat to set the angle, a little off center feels better to me. Once it sets up don't plan on taking it apart - I think it's just about as strong as the factory knob.

[LeaUK]

Thanks for the tips - I'll take a look at this when the weathers a little better I think!

Cheers
Lea

[deanyel]

Just noticed you were in UK - don't know if you have JB Weld there, but if not I would say just substitute any two part epoxy glue.