Shift lever length

[n/a]

Folks,

My shift lever (4 speed manual) has an ersatz wooden shift knob that's been on it since I got the car 20 plus years ago. I was going to replace it with the proper MB ball, but it looks like the previous owner hack sawed off the end of the lever. Can anyone give me an overall length or a photo of what the end of this thing should like? Mine is smooth-sided all the way to the end and I fear that isn't how it's supposed to be (see attachment - it measures about 6.5 inches from the ball up). How tough is a replacement lever to find, dare I ask? I need to replace the shifter bearings/bushings, so it'd be nice to get it all straight at the same time.

Thanks.

John

Download Attachment: shift_lever_mangled.jpg
30.88 KB

John Livingston
Newport News, VA
1968 280SL 4 speed

[jeffc280sl]

The 4 speed shifter is about 8 inches long.  It getts progressively thinner until reaching the top.  At the top there is 1/2in of vertical grooves which when pressed into the plastic ball keep the ball from spinning.

Hope this helps.  Yours has definitly been cut


Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

[n/a]

I feared as much. I just checked Miller's MB parts site and they want $400 for a new one! I may just epoxy an MB ball on the end of what I've got until I can find a decent used lever. After all, the shorter length just makes it shift that much quicker!

John

John Livingston
Newport News, VA
1968 280SL 4 speed

[n/a]

Well, I guess epoxy wouldn't be such a hot idea, since I then couldn't easily get the carpeting, etc., out. I'll have to think of something else less permanent.

John Livingston
Newport News, VA
1968 280SL 4 speed

[Cees Klumper]

Why not drill a small hole, tap in threading and affix a metal extention to reach proper, or at least some additional, length and diameter etc.

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[jeffc280sl]

My shift knob was very worn so I installed an old wooden one with a round Mercedes star that me Dad bought for my prior 280SL 30 years ago.  I did epoxy it on.  The only problem this has created is with the rubber boot at the base of the shifter.  The carpet has a big enough hole that it should slip over the shifter knob ok.  To install the new boot I slit it down the seem placed it around the shifter and then used super glue to repair the slit.  It's impossible to tell that is has been cut.

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

[ja17]

Hello John,
Find an old Mercedes Sedan parts car with a floor shift. It is most likely the same!



Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio