Shifter on a 4 sp, curve to front or rear?

[erickmarciano]

Hi there

should the shifter on a 4 sp curve towards the front of the car or the rear?
changed my shifter bushing and cannot remember the direction of the shifter. and how do I remove the knob?
thanks
Erick

1971 280sl
1962 VW
1954 Allstate vespa
1958 gs150 vespa
1962 gs160 vespa

[Douglas]

The lever points towards the nose of the car. Also, you remove the knob by pulling it straight up. (Make sure not to pull the knob in half. It can split at the seam if you're too rough on it.)

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #018260

[ted280sl]

Eric,
  This topic was discussed recently and I found that my shift lever was pointing towards the back of the car. I reversed it and it is a very different feel.
  Regarding the removal of the knob. My own experience has been that by holding a pair of pliers below the knob and gently tapping from below, the knob will pop off.
  I hope this helps.
Ted
1969 280SL w/ foward bending shift lever

[Douglas]

Whatever you do, don't try to spin the knob off. It's threaded and that will strip the threads.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #018260

[hauser]

Hey guys, I was in search of "gearshift knob" and came up with this. Okay so to remove I can use a pair of pliers and gently tap up. No turning so as not to strip the threads.

I have a new knob that I want to install. My old one was showing a bit of wear.  One problem was that there is no original looking knob for my Getrag 5 speed transmission.  The layout does not match that of the ZF5.  I had to use a stock 4 speed pattern and modify it.  I took this 4 speed knob to a jeweler to have the 5th gear layout engraved.  Sounds simple! It wasn't. I visited and called quite a few jewelers only to be referred elsewhere.  I finally found the right guy willing to accomplish the task.  He did a pretty good job. The 5th gear on my car is to the right and forward.

I now have a new knob that looks great.  I didn't want to go through this process again and wanted to somehow put a protective coating on it.  I ended up using a two part clear epoxy.  I used a wooden dowel about the lenght of a pencil a 4"x4" plywood stand with a center hole for the dowel.  Once the epoxy was mixed I dipped it and set it in an upright position.  Once dry I repeated the procedure and the end results are amazing.  

Now I have to install my new knob.  What's the best way to do this?  I do not want to put too much stress the knob.

1969 280sl 5 spd        1999 ML320          Gainesville,Fl.

[Joe]

I don't think the knob and shifter have threads. They are splined, and that is why you knock the knob off upwards rather than turn it. If you turn it, you will rip the splines out of the knob (like mine was done prior to my ownership).
Do new knobs look original? Cost?
Is the knob on the automatic splined also?
Joe2
1965 230 SL Euro 4-speed
1971 280 SL US Automatic

[Benz Dr.]

The 5 speed knob is available or at least it was. I got a new one for my car a few years ago.

 As far as the way the shifter goes......

 Some point up and some point down. Who's to say which is better or right ~)

Daniel G Caron

[hauser]

Dan, my shift pattern is not the same as the ZF5.  Read my post entered below of August 24th.

1969 280sl 5 spd        1999 ML320          Gainesville,Fl.

[Benz Dr.]

To the right and forward of what? On my car fifth gear is beside 3rd gear. Reverse is below fifth.

On the benz box reverse is beside first gear - totaly different layout.

Daniel G Caron

[hauser]

Here is my new gearshift knob.

Download Attachment: Getrag  5speed knob.jpg
66 KB

1969 280sl 5 spd        1999 ML320          Gainesville,Fl.

[Benz Dr.]

ok, I see how it goes now. Pretty convincing job he did on the lettering. Looks good!

Daniel G Caron

[hauser]

Thaks for the compliment Dan.  I hope this one will last for a while with the epoxy coating.

1969 280sl 5 spd        1999 ML320          Gainesville,Fl.