Author Topic: Shift knob installation tips  (Read 2421 times)

84RabbitGTI

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Shift knob installation tips
« on: April 23, 2011, 02:34:56 PM »
Ok, so I bought a new plastic handle for the manual shift lever on my '51 Kaiser.  Anyone have experience with installing it?  I would like to know before I break it into a million (or even just two) pieces.  Thanks.
L Mommsen
Marysville, WA
1951 Kaiser Deluxe 4 Dr
Member #6356 Since 1988

Fid

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Re: Shift knob installation tips
« Reply #1 on: April 23, 2011, 03:26:20 PM »
I installed one on my Henry J a few years ago.  What worked for me was to first put a wire wheel in my drill and buff out all the "threads/splines" at the end of the shaft being very careful not to touch any part of the painted/exposed surface.  Then I lubed the threads with go-jo and tapped the new knob on using a rubber hammer while holding the lever with my other hand to absorb the shock.  It was not easy.  If I had to do it again, I'd take the upper part of the mechanism completely off and then, still buff the surface down and apply the go-jo, lay the knob on the floor (with lots of padding) and light tap the lever to drive it into the knob.
It may be wise to hear what others have to say too before starting.
1953 Henry J Corsair Deluxe
Edgar Kaiser's custom 1951 Henry J
1951 Kaiser Special
1952 Allstate Deluxe

Need your classic car radio repaired? I repair vacuum tube radios

joefrazer

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Re: Shift knob installation tips
« Reply #2 on: April 23, 2011, 04:52:34 PM »
I used dishwashing liquid on the gearshift lever and heated the knob in hot water to expand it a bit, then as Fid did, tapped it on lightly with a rubber hammer. Slow and steady won the race!

Cortes121

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Re: Shift knob installation tips
« Reply #3 on: April 23, 2011, 08:05:18 PM »
Where did you purchase your shift knob? Are there more available?
- Anthony

1951 Kaiser Deluxe
1955 Packard Clipper Custom

Fid

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Re: Shift knob installation tips
« Reply #4 on: April 23, 2011, 09:03:05 PM »
Using warm water is good idea Jim! I'll remember that too.  Regarding where you can get one -
Rudy Phillips 2136 Walnut St. Ramona, CA 92065
1-760-789-3608

1953 Henry J Corsair Deluxe
Edgar Kaiser's custom 1951 Henry J
1951 Kaiser Special
1952 Allstate Deluxe

Need your classic car radio repaired? I repair vacuum tube radios

84RabbitGTI

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Re: Shift knob installation tips
« Reply #5 on: April 24, 2011, 01:54:23 AM »
Thanks all for the advice!  I was considering the techniques mentioned but wanted to check with others before I forged ahead and messed it up.  As for where to get one, I did indeed get mine from Rudy in California.  He has many such items, including some rubber items which you might think to be impossible to find, like the seal around the rear vent window.
L Mommsen
Marysville, WA
1951 Kaiser Deluxe 4 Dr
Member #6356 Since 1988

Cortes121

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Re: Shift knob installation tips
« Reply #6 on: April 24, 2011, 08:19:15 PM »
Thank you so much, i'll give him a call!
- Anthony

1951 Kaiser Deluxe
1955 Packard Clipper Custom