Hi all,

Realise that this may not be a common issue given the limited number of manual gearbox cars around but, how do I remove the gear lever knob?

I want to remove the ski slope on my 1990, 3.6 manual which requires removal of the gear lever knob so that the leather draft excluder gaiter can be slid up over the gear lever as the ski slope is lifted. According to the manual it is a simple matter of slackening the locknut (more a kind of machined bezel) unscrewing the gear lever knob and then screwing off the locknut.

Problem is I can't get the locknut which I guess I screw downwards (tighten) to separate it from the gear lever knob, or the knob itself to budge by unscrewing. I don't want to use too much force in case I break something in the gear lever linkage or the gearbox itself. Don't want to use any kind of strap wrench on the gear lever knob as it will chew up the leather covering.

Has anyone done this before? Am I missing something simple?

Thanks for reading,

Cheers,
LeeP

 

The locknut has two flats on it for a wrench/spanner. It can be pretty tight but will come undone. You can hold the knob when you undo it

 

Hi Stuart,

Thanks for the reply - much appreciated.

Yes, I was trying to undo with a wrench on the two flats (I presume you screw it clockwise when viewed from the top so it moves slightly further down the gear lever to separate it from the knob) but couldn't get it to budge. Problem is I can't get enough purchase on the knob with my hand to counteract the force on the wrench. Just don't want to turn the wrench on its own in case I break something in the linkage.

Have spotted a soft strap wrench online that looks fairly gentle so will try that on the gear lever knob when it arrives.

Good to see you also have a manual, I didn't think many made it to the US.

Cheers,
LeeP

 

Lee, I have a 3.6l manual. I have replaced both the ski slope and gear knob with Elm. My car the knob just screwed off by hand. It needed a bit of effort at first. The ski slope is easy, the screws to un do are obvious. Would suggest to be careful with the leather gear lever surround can be a bit brittle if old. Good leather treatment helps.

I just love driving the manual.
cheers

Mike

 

Hi Mike,

I've got it off now thanks - was really tight! Had to use a soft rubber strap wrench (the sort for getting lids off jars) which unfortunately tore the leather cover to the gear lever knob slightly (despite wrapping in masking tape to protect) so will have to get it recovered one day. The collar with the two flats just unscrewed easily by hand afterwards.

Glad you enjoy the manual box. Me as well although my gear lever has become sloppy over the years due to various rubber bushes deteriorating (various posts on here on this) so hence needing to get ski slope off. Good tip on the gaiter I will treat while it is off.

Nice range of cars you have. That P2 must be a beauty. I had a P4 100 for many years.

Cheeers,
LeeP

 

Lee, thanks, I’m surprised your gearbox is a little sloppy. Mine is very smooth, yours should be an easy fix I’m sure.

yep, the P2 is in wonderful condition, not too many made it to NZ/ Aust, mine is or has gone to a museum of classic cars.

On my Jag I also replaced the Steering Wheel with an Elm wooden one as well as Instrument area, radio and Aircon. I got them made by Murtle in the UK. Lovely finish but dam expensive especially when adding air freight to NZ. Done 18 mths ago and wife of 50 yrs marriage only just back talking to me. $$£££.

mike.