Question: automatic shift ball removal

[drq1980]

I want to replace my old scratched plastic shifter ball and button with a chrome one. http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb.dll?Parta~ShowPicTxt~Z5Z5Z50000050g~Z5Z5Z5GAXQC

The question is how does it come off? I assume it unscrews? Before i put a vice grip to it, I would like to know the correct way to remove the ball,spring and button? Anything I should know or be aware of?

 

[Phill]

On my 79 they both just screwed off. it was a little hard to get it off but eventually it did come off. i used a rag and channel locks to get mine off.

 

[6880 Mike]

...i used a rag and channel locks to get mine off...

Good advice. Be ready to catch the spring when the button comes off.

 

[tcxd40]

Not sure cause I havn't worked on my 81 shifter lately, is it not left hand thread?

 

[BruceBed]

shifter knob

Not sure cause I havn't worked on my 81 shifter lately, is it not left hand thread?

i used a rag and channel locks to get mine off. (Same here). They can be difficult to turn but it will come off eventually. I don't remember it being left hand thread unless your sitting on the dash board.

 

[drq1980]

Button Unscrewed easily...

Well ordered the chrome ball and button.....I will post a picture when done. I figure if I break the plastic ball, at least I will not do it untill I have something to replace it with...:0

 

[White75]

Remove the push button first and then the ball. Mine weren't very tight but if yours are, use a pair of large vicegrips or pliers that are covered with a rag to protect the knob. If your strong and just can't get a good grip, borrow the wife's Playtex cleaning gloves.
Oh yes, be prepared for the spring under the button, I spent 10 minutes searching for that damned thing when it launched.
Here's a pic if you need reference

 

[Phill]

Its been awhile but i think the knob screws off counter clock wise.

 

[Curtis]

Righty tighty, lefty loosey.... its RH thread no matter where you sit to look at it.

 

[drq1980]

The finnished job...

Gets toasty in the sun...But feels very "musclecar" I love it... And I didnt have any spring issues...actually never saw a spring although you can feel it.

 

[79 VETTE]

Thanks

On my 79 they both just screwed off. it was a little hard to get it off but eventually it did come off. i used a rag and channel locks to get mine off.

Thank you.
I sprayed some WD40 and I used a rag and channel locks and they both unscrewed easily.

 

[toobroketoretire]

And be sure to GENTLY tighten them when you put them back on. Anything more than "finger tight" is too much.......................

 

[79 VETTE]

Good to know

 

[79 VETTE]

ch]

thank you.
I sprayed some wd40 and i used a rag and channel locks and they both unscrewed easily.