[fbd73]

Hi all, a bit of advice please. I removed the auto gear knob to remove the centre console panel and when I went back to refit the auto knob, it won't stay in place. It just falls to the bottom of the lever. I can't see how it is supposed to stay in place. I put the pin in and then the circlip, then clip the top on. One thing that is odd is that there are 2 grooves in the lever. I know the top one is for the circlip I mentioned, but what is the lower one for?

Any thoughts?

George

[Sirrotica]

There are 2 snap rings on the shifter stalk, one in each groove to hold the knob in place. Sounds like the bottom one is missing.

[78w72]

is the knob broken by chance? ive never seen 2 snap rings on a 2nd gen shifter stalk. the knob itself is what holds it in place from dropping down & the top snap ring keeps it from pulling up when you press the button down. sounds like the bottom plastic on teh shifter knob may be broken.

[Sirrotica]

I could be mistaken. It's been years since I took one apart and was going from memory, at 67 YO the memory has glitches sometimes............

[steve v]

Brad, That's how i recall them also, 2 snap rings, one top one bottom. Then there's a washer with a locating tang on it to prevent the knob from spinning and a special push on clip that holds the center button to the shifter mechanism.

[Sirrotica]

Originally Posted by steve v

Brad, That's how i recall them also, 2 snap rings, one top one bottom. Then there's a washer with a locating tang on it to prevent the knob from spinning and a special push on clip that holds the center button to the shifter mechanism.

Maybe I'm still able to recall details......LOL

[Held for Ransom]

For '73, there should be 2 tangs off the knob that centers it and let's it only drop so far.

[78w72]

Originally Posted by Held for Ransom

For '73, there should be 2 tangs off the knob that centers it and let's it only drop so far.

there are not not 2 snap rings...

yes as pictured, the 2 tangs in the knob center it & keep it from sliding down the shaft when they engage the 2 slots on the shaft. that area of the knob can break & let the knob slide down. same design for all 2nd gen firebirds, only 1 snap ring at the top to stop it from lifting up.

[FrankieT/A]

Originally Posted by 78w72

there are not not 2 snap rings...

yes as pictured, the 2 tangs in the knob center it & keep it from sliding down the shaft when they engage the 2 slots on the shaft. that area of the knob can break & let the knob slide down. same design for all 2nd gen firebirds, only 1 snap ring at the top to stop it from lifting up.

What he said...

[fbd73]

Ok, thanks for that guys. Looks like I need a new knob. There are no lugs/tangs inside the knob to stop it slipping down the gear lever shaft. Bit disappointing as it is only a couple of years old and not had much work.

[78w72]

Originally Posted by fbd73

Ok, thanks for that guys. Looks like I need a new knob. There are no lugs/tangs inside the knob to stop it slipping down the gear lever shaft. Bit disappointing as it is only a couple of years old and not had much work.

i may have a knob for you, give me a couple days to check before you buy one.

[Aus78Formula]

One of the recent repros is excellent, do you know which you have there?

[fbd73]

I bought it from Pontiworld.

[Aus78Formula]

Oops. If it's one of their own and already failed somehow I'd be hitting Dave up.

[fbd73]

Yep. Just sent him an email.

[fbd73]

Has anyone fitted something other than the original type of knob? I don't think I want to change the whole shifter at this stage though, just the knob configuration.