Author Topic: Tightening Gearshift Ball?  (Read 4079 times)

SDVC

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Tightening Gearshift Ball?
« on: September 26, 2013, 21:30:37 »
The automatic gearshift ball is loose on our 1967 230SL.  It's sliding up & down the lever.  And because of this it popped-off the MB logo on top.
What's the best method to get this knob secured permanently?
Thanks for the advice.


Garry

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Re: Tightening Gearshift Ball?
« Reply #1 on: September 26, 2013, 22:00:17 »
It is a non original nob.  Maybe an original will fit correctly but may not be to your preference?
Garry Marks
Melbourne/ Kyneton, Brisbane. Australia
1969 MB 280SL 5 speed RHD SOLD.
1965 MB 230SL Auto RHD Lt Blue 334G, Top 350H, Tourist Delivery.
1972 MB 280CE Auto RHD 906G
2005 MB A200
2006 MB B200
2019 Izuzu DMax 4x4 Slide-on camper.
2022 Volvo XC40 Electric
2024 Volvo EX30 Electric

Bonnyboy

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Re: Tightening Gearshift Ball?
« Reply #2 on: September 26, 2013, 23:27:27 »
I had a non original knob on my BMW 2002 and made a couple strips out of an aluminium Beer can and glued them to the inside of the knob and when dry (5 minute epoxy) then put the knob back onto the stick with a bit of pressure and it never fell off. I folded 1 of the strips over on itself at the end to give a bit more bite.
Ian
69 280SL
65 F-100
73 CB750K
75 MGB
78 FLH
82 CB750SC
83 VF 1100C
94 FLHTCU
08 NPS50
12 Pro 4X

SDVC

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Re: Tightening Gearshift Ball?
« Reply #3 on: September 27, 2013, 00:41:45 »
Thank you for your advise.  I didn't realize it wasn't an original knob, especially with the MBz logo on it.
Is the original knob for the Automatic 1967 a round ivory one?  And is US$72 a decent price?

Garry

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Re: Tightening Gearshift Ball?
« Reply #4 on: September 27, 2013, 10:08:29 »
That is the correct nob.

The price from one of our listed US suppliers Buds,  shows $68 black, $72 white, but they will give you 10% discount as a Member of the Group. SLS shows a price of Euro 41.65 but I believe they discount that by the German tax that you don't pay of 17.5%. Dont know the US Euro exchange rates or postage that will also come into play.  Also suggest try the MB Classic Centre CA who also will give a Group discount.

Garry
Garry Marks
Melbourne/ Kyneton, Brisbane. Australia
1969 MB 280SL 5 speed RHD SOLD.
1965 MB 230SL Auto RHD Lt Blue 334G, Top 350H, Tourist Delivery.
1972 MB 280CE Auto RHD 906G
2005 MB A200
2006 MB B200
2019 Izuzu DMax 4x4 Slide-on camper.
2022 Volvo XC40 Electric
2024 Volvo EX30 Electric

KevinC

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Re: Tightening Gearshift Ball?
« Reply #5 on: September 27, 2013, 14:44:40 »
I have a black one if you're interested.

garymand

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Re: Tightening Gearshift Ball?
« Reply #6 on: October 09, 2013, 22:58:23 »
I have the same knob in wood.  Maybe 30 years old.  There is a lock nut tht goes on the shaft first.  The plain balls don't need an orientation, but the star doesn't look classy sideways. 

I also used loc-tite.  You position the star then back tighten the lock nut.  I glued mine inplace because I am a little paranoid some kid will try to steel the shift knob as I left the car unattended, open, with the top down.  Sure if they want it bad enough, a little gllocktight is only a slight deterent. 

I've never seen a chrome one.  I would have gone for that one because the varnish on the wood vanishes in a few yers. 
Gary
Early 250SL German version owned since 71, C320, R350, 89 Porsche 944 Turbo S