Shift ball "finger rest"

[Gilstrap]

I apologize if I'm posting this in the wrong area, but I'm a newbie (member and owner) and can't find this part discussed anywhere. I'm in the process of changing the shift lever bushings and when trying to pop off the shift lever ball, shattered pieces of what I would call a "finger rest" located directly under the ball. I can't find a replacement online (Buds, etc.) and don't notice it on any other Pagoda photos. Do any of yours have this part and if so, do you know if it can be obtained somewhere. I don't think it's necessary, but I would like it to be the way it was. Thanks in advance.

[49er]

 No part like that on mine, just a ball.

John

[Benz Dr.]

I agree. Someone put that on your car.

[Tyler S]

It doesn't look like the correct knob as well. It should be a smooth round knob with no ridge around the circumference. Your signature indicates you have the rare 5 speed transmission. Authentic Classics sells the correct knob for your application.
http://www.authenticclassics.com/230SL-250-280SL-113ch-NOS-5-Speed-Shift-Knob-p/auth-002757.htm

[Gilstrap]

I'm feeling better knowing I didn't break a special piece since nobody seems to have it on there cars.

My knob does have a ridge around the circumference half way down from the top, but the top looks exactly like the one you posted. The car was restored in the 80's, but I thought the interior was original. I guess some pieces could have come from another model.

Another question regarding the shift bushing replacement procedure.... Is the lower boot necessary and if so, has anyone had luck finding one? Pic attached

[Tyler S]

Yes you need the boot. It keeps the grease in and the dirt out. The spinning driveshaft is just below and will fling dirt and whatnot up onto it. If you buy a repair kit it will usually come with but you can get it separately. Go Google MB part # 1112680797

[Mike K]

I recently undertook the same exercise on my Auto 280SL.
The bushings and rubber boot were trashed. I made a temporary repair to the rubber boot, while I still wait for a replacement boot to arrive.

[Naj ✝︎]

Another question regarding the shift bushing replacement procedure.... Is the lower boot necessary and if so, has anyone had luck finding one?

Have a look in the tech manual.

Part #s and procedure is discussed.

http://www.sl113.org/wiki/TransmissionClutch/Shifter

I believe the 5 speed shifter parts are the same as the 4 speed.

naj

[Gilstrap]

Thanks, Tyler, for the website and comment. I now have a boot on the way.

I did review the tech manual before taking on this procedure, but it didn't answer all of my questions. Since my bushings were too far gone, I wasn't sure where the wavy washer was supposed to be placed. By searching other discussions, it seems like it's placed on top of both bushings, right below the snap ring. I initially thought it would be either on the bottom of the bottom bushing or between both. If by chance, it doesn't go on top, please correct me.

I have both bushings on at this point, but are stuck. I cannot seem to get the washer and the snap ring on- there simply isn't enough room on the top. My washer is wavy, but I'm wondering if it was damaged while shifting and needs to be perfectly flat? Any recommendations/tricks?

Also, with both bolts screwed on the shift plate, it tends to not be fully flush with the tunnel at the rear (pic) and is raised up a centimeter or so. I imagine it will get tightened down when I bolt the cover that's placed on top of it with 4 screws (I forgot what it's called at the moment). Is this normal?

[Tyler S]

Check Naj's link above. Wavy washer and snap ring both go on top. It's a tight fit. get your new boot first. It's easier to install off the car on a vise. There are also 4 more bushings on the shifter shaft where the shift lever attaches that get worn out. The plate will be centered when you go to install your cover with the 4 bolts. Don't worry about it sticking up a bit.

[Gilstrap]

I did install the 4 bushings on the shifter shaft. Those were surprisingly easy, thank goodness. The vice is a great idea for the shift plate bushings. I didn't think of trying that. I was hoping to drive it around the block to see how wonderful it could shift, but will wait for the boot before continuing. Thanks.

[TJMart]

I just completed my shifter bushings and the 2 bushings on the metal plate on my 4 speed 280SL. I also installed the lower boot as mine was missing. Purchased at MB Classic center for $9. I inquired on the wavy washer but the price from them was $36. I just gently bent my washer with two needle nose pliers at five different points and it worked perfectly. If you have the correct upper and lower shifter bushings and install them properly with the wavy washer above the top bushing and the "C" clip on top of it it will fit snug so you will have no play up or down when you pull up on the shaft of the shifter.

As a tip I used a Sharpie extra fine tip paint pen and re painted my numbers on the shifter ball.

[Gilstrap]

I appreciate all of your advice and had much success installing and completing everything, including the boot, last night. It's like a completely different car and I went out for five different joy rides last evening. Thanks again.

[Tyler S]

Gilstrap and TJMart. That's great!  Nothing like having a crisp shift. Changes the whole ride!

[Benz Dr.]

If after installing the bushings at the trans and the shifter rod, you find that you have some fore aft or side to side play, it's possible to bend the ends of the rod in a small amount to take up any wear. Shifter should be free to move, yet not bind, or have any excess play.

[tel76]

It doesn't look like the correct knob as well. It should be a smooth round knob with no ridge around the circumference.

The shifter ball that is fitted to the 4 speed has the ridge around the ball as in the picture, the original one fitted to a 1970 280sl I have here has the ridge, as the numbers are badly worn I have purchased a new one from MB, this one is identical.