manual shift knob

[clok1966]

I had asked before but got no responce so figured I would try again. I own an 87 with a 4+3. The shift knob is ugly. So far the OD button on top knobs are basicly impossilbe to get. Several people on E-bay list them, but they ARE NOT CORRECT for the Push button on top OD knobs. I see i can get the correct button now (i bought a whole shifter, linkage and all to get one that wasnt broke!).

My question, Anybody replaced the 4+3 knob with an aftermarket one? If so what ones work? I'm willing to move my switch, not worried about that, I am sick of trying to get the correct parts, I simply cant find the correct knob (if you have one for a somewaht ok price, please let me know). I'm ready to throw in the towel and replace with a knob that will fit.

Anybody have any ideas? I would imagine its a threaded knob (seems that way from my searchs here) but no actual sizes. Any help at all on sizes or what somebody else has tried succesfully (or not) would help.

 

[vetteoz]

The thread size on the OE shifter is not a common one like used on Hurst / B&M shifters
( larger I recall )
I suspect you would need to make a threaded insert to change thread to more common size then you could use any knob you like

 

[G Winter]

Sounds like this is a major problem for people... What is this knob like? Switch in the top? what kind of threads etc.
Anyplace I could get prints or measurements ?
I work as a machinist and might be able to make some.If there would be about half a dozen or so that need them it might be worth the time to set up and program the CNC
They would have to be a round , Oval and/or tapered type.
Glenn

 

[WhalePirot]

I'm willing to move my switch.

Along that line, my '84 has a rocker switch that sits right under my wrist for easy operation. Drop the wrist- O/D-ON; Drop the wrist- O/D-OFF.<< as an alternative

 

[vetteoz]

what kind of threads etc.
Anyplace I could get prints or measurements ?
I work as a machinist and might be able to make some.

4+3 has same thread as ZF6 shifter ; 9/16"-18 thread
B&M knobs appear to be 1/2' -20
In which case you would need a adapter with a female end to suit the shifter thread and a male thread to suit the new knob and in doing so would raise the knob height

 

[clok1966]

Sounds like this is a major problem for people... What is this knob like? Switch in the top? what kind of threads etc.
Anyplace I could get prints or measurements ?
I work as a machinist and might be able to make some.If there would be about half a dozen or so that need them it might be worth the time to set up and program the CNC
They would have to be a round , Oval and/or tapered type.
Glenn

the knob is a simple screw on one, but the thread size seems to be the problem, its a bit larger then a "standard" knob. I havent had mine off to look as I didnt want to do it untilli had the correct parts. The problem with the 87-88 is the OD button is on top of the knob. its alot like the auto knob except the top button is more of a hinge type. it doesnt push straight down, it has a couple "C" style clips at hte back and then 2 more at the front that attach to a WIRE "T" the "T" pushs the OD switch which is farther down the shifter.

the button basicly is a hinge type button, the back never goes down, but hte front does. Very hard to explain, and unfortnalty the black knob is also hard to take a picture of too.

the problem with all New aftermarket knobs is they do not have the Nubs (sorry dont know a better word) that the back 2 "C" clips attach too.

the other Problem with an Aftermarket knob. The knob screws on and has a KEY that locks it from turning in the top. SO a normal shift knob wont work. Of course a nut under the knob would work, but it would have to be pretty thin and small as the Reverse lock out is under the knob.

It just is so sad I can buy almost any part to make my interior nicer, but that ugly old knob is somthing I cant do anything with.

I would be glad to see if I could get you some info if you are interested. But it might be a bit (we have like 6 feet of snow here and my car is behind a huge drift in a garage) till I can get you a knob.

 

[vetteoz]

but the thread size seems to be the problem, its a bit larger then a "standard" knob.I would be glad to see if I could get you some info if you are interested.

;squint: I have noted the 4+3 thread size in the post above .
If you were to relocate the O/d button you can use any knob to suit a later ZF6 car

It just is so sad I can buy almost any part to make my interior nicer, but that ugly old knob is somthing I cant do anything with.

There have never been any aftermarket knobs to suit.
Last time genuine 4+3 knobs were available was in 2002 when someone was selling a collection of NOS C4 parts ones on eBay.Knobs went for $200 ea

 

[G Winter]

On my ZF I seldom use the knob, makes the shifter to long. I take ahold of the shaft just below the revers lockout lever.Been thinking of a simple way to shorten the shifter.

Glenn

 

[clok1966]

;squint: I have noted the 4+3 thread size in the post above .

sorry left page up overnight and replied didnt refresh and see you had replied with size