Author Topic: Removing the Shifter Ball  (Read 4711 times)

SilverSpear

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Removing the Shifter Ball
« on: January 03, 2012, 07:00:53 »
Hello guys,

I am trying to remove the ball on top of the shifter handle, but for some reason it wouldn't come off.
Can anyone please guide me through?

Thanks
Early 1967 Pagoda 250SL - Under comprehensive restoration
Euro 2013 Mercedes 350SL

Ulf

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Re: Removing the Shifter Ball
« Reply #1 on: January 03, 2012, 08:08:47 »
It should come off quite easily, try tapping it gently from beneath with a hammer and use a piece of wood in between.
1965 230 SL in silver (DB180)
1982 Land Rover Series III SWB
2008 Jaguar XF 3.0
2005 Mini Cooper

SilverSpear

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Re: Removing the Shifter Ball
« Reply #2 on: January 03, 2012, 09:37:26 »
I wanted to tap it from underneath but I was afraid that it is screwed from inside the ball.
It is moving up and down by like 4mm, but that's it no matter how much I try to take it off from the stick handle.

Early 1967 Pagoda 250SL - Under comprehensive restoration
Euro 2013 Mercedes 350SL

Larry & Norma

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Re: Removing the Shifter Ball
« Reply #3 on: January 03, 2012, 10:14:19 »
I use a pair of loose fitting pliers with some rag in the jaws to protect the shaft and ball and slide them up the shaft
to strike the gearshift knob. It will come off it is only a push fit. It may be neccessary to tap the pliers upwards
with a hammer.
Larry Hall (Gnuface)
2023 Ioniq6
2005 C230
1970 280SL

Iconic

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Re: Removing the Shifter Ball
« Reply #4 on: January 03, 2012, 15:41:30 »
SilverSpear,
Do you have an automatic trans or a manual?
What Gnuface is describing is perfect for the automatic ball. It comes right off that way.
I don't know how the manual shift ball is removed.
1970 280 SL Automatic, USA version, Grey-Blue (906G/906G), Blue leather (245)
1968 SS396 Camaro Convertible (owned since 1977 -- my first car :D)
1984 Porsche Euro Carrera coupe, LSD, SlateBlueMet/Blue
1998 BMW M-Rdstr Estoril Blue
1970 280 SL Automatic, Anthracite Grey-173G, Red Interior-132 - sold

IXLR8

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Re: Removing the Shifter Ball
« Reply #5 on: January 03, 2012, 16:25:58 »
Hi-

The manual ball removes the same way as the automatic one.


the other Joe

SilverSpear

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Re: Removing the Shifter Ball
« Reply #6 on: January 03, 2012, 17:11:04 »
Ok guys will give it a try in few minutes...
Will let you know what happens
Early 1967 Pagoda 250SL - Under comprehensive restoration
Euro 2013 Mercedes 350SL

SilverSpear

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Re: Removing the Shifter Ball
« Reply #7 on: January 03, 2012, 18:22:47 »
Thanks Fellas!
Early 1967 Pagoda 250SL - Under comprehensive restoration
Euro 2013 Mercedes 350SL

Ulf

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Re: Removing the Shifter Ball
« Reply #8 on: January 04, 2012, 08:45:01 »
:-)
1965 230 SL in silver (DB180)
1982 Land Rover Series III SWB
2008 Jaguar XF 3.0
2005 Mini Cooper

Cees Klumper

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Re: Removing the Shifter Ball
« Reply #9 on: January 04, 2012, 19:59:50 »
Haha! Maybe this will start a trend, "if there's no photo it didn't happen!"
Cees Klumper
1969 Mercedes 280 SL automatic
1968 Ford Mustang 302 V8
1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Coupe 1600
1962 FIAT 1500S OSCA convertible
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PeterW113

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Re: Removing the Shifter Ball
« Reply #10 on: January 05, 2012, 20:01:04 »
Good to see that you were successful, out of interest on my 68 280L Auto, the knob unscrews. It had me fooled for a while as most references to removing the knob all suggest tapping it off as described above.

Peter
Peter
1968 MB 280SL, RHD Auto
1968 Lotus Elan +2
1965 Fiat 500
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SilverSpear

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Re: Removing the Shifter Ball
« Reply #11 on: January 06, 2012, 05:03:28 »
Haha! Maybe this will start a trend, "if there's no photo it didn't happen!"

haha yeah... pictures... or it didn't happen!
Early 1967 Pagoda 250SL - Under comprehensive restoration
Euro 2013 Mercedes 350SL