Locking shifter knob. Is this a factory option?

[topless82vette]

I'm just curious if anyone has ever seen one of these on a corvette or any other GM car. Basically the button you depress before you can move the shifter locks. I've see other 82 vettes and they have round shifter knobs where as mine looks nothing like them. But at the same time it doesn't look like its a poorly fitting after market thing either.

And no I am not talking about the shifter interlock system. On mine it requires a special key to unlock the button.

So if anyone knows I figured you guy's would. I grew up around 80's GM's and have never seen a shifter knob like this and also have never seen a option described like it. I don't know if any of you remember the early alarm systems that were out where you activated it with a special key and its switch was on the fender. But at any rate that is what this key is sort of like that unlocks my shifter button.

 

[black_81_vette]

Id say it was done by the company who did the conversion.Some sort of anti theft device.

 

[topless82vette]

Id say it was done by the company who did the conversion.Some sort of anti theft device.

The company that did what conversion? If you referring to the convertible part, I did that myself. This shifter knob was on the car before the prior owner had it. I'm leaning towards it being some dealer installed item since it is such a nice installation. I will try and post a picture of it soon.

 

[topless82vette]

Well after countless internet searches and a broad search on ebay I can be thankful of one thing at least .... The car doesn't have a skull shifter knob!!!! ... But at any rate I guess this thread needs a picture because this thing has to be something from the early 80's and something that was very un-popular in its day. The guy who designed it probably only sold one ... But hey at least he knows it's still in use hahaha ... Wonder if ecklers or one of those 80's companies could also be the source of it.

 

[6880 Mike]

There were no locking shifter knobs on C3s. If you have one, it's aftermarket.

 

[topless82vette]

here is a picture of it. Not the best but the best I could do right now. you can see where the special key fits in the top button of the shifter knob

 

[82ColEd]

Never seen anything like it.. Very odd.

 

[topless82vette]

Never seen anything like it.. Very odd.

I am partial to thinking its aftermarket but how it fits the corvettes shifter stalk makes me think it was designed for a corvette only. The diameter of the corvette shifter stalk seems different then other floor shifted GM cars of the era. It's also doesn't look like it uses any shims to make it a universal fit. I am at a loss how it is secured to the shifters stalk, maybe just bonded on not really sure. How was the stock ball attached?

I would have thought it would be black unless it has just faded over the years it looks more charcoal. I bought the car back in about 97 I believe so who knows when it found its way on the car. I do know the car was originally from texas so that could explain it to LOL "no offense though LOL" so maybe it was a company from there who made it.

or could it been a dealer installed option. It's origin is what I'de like to know

 

[6880 Mike]

Your shift knob is an aftermarket item; it is not GM and it was not a dealer installed option.

I'm guessing, but I assume it will screw off since the stock knobs screw on and off. You might need the key in order to remove it. Stock knobs have a spring beneath the button, so be ready to catch it if yours is still there.