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Old 04-24-2019, 01:05 PM
unruhjonny's Avatar
unruhjonny unruhjonny is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Uncle Judge View Post
...
My theory on the LARGE black ball VS. the simulated leather knob is that it is dictated by the interior. Plain and simple. The LARGE Black ball came with the standard interior and simulated leather knob came with the Deluxe interior.
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Respectfully;
So this theory of yours is Trans Am specific?

I would think that if an interior trim level dictated the knob used, that this would not be predicated by the model.

I would think that if your theory could stand on two legs, that the knob used would not be predicated by the model and interior trim level - but rather wholly by the trim level.

Formulas came with 'standard' interior just like the Trans Am;
Esprit's came with the 'deluxe' interior, unlike the Trans Am;
If your assertion is true, and not dictated by the model, I would think the leather knob would always be observed in the Esprit, and also seen in 'deluxe' interior Formulas.

From the ultra low-mile '70 Formula:



I have seen the early simulated wood knob on a '70 Esprit (I have the whole shifter assembly still), but I cannot recall seeing the simulated leather knob in any '70 Esprit.

My personal belief is that the simulated leather knob may very well have been intended for deluxe interior vehicles, but as the early supply ran out, the black knob was used on all;
Then the black knob supply at both Norwood and Van Nuys was used up, the leather knob supplanted it as the only one used.

I would be curious to know at what point the shifter knob was installed, and when the last documented example of a car with the simulated versus the first example with the black knob were built.
To the best of my understanding this cannot be gleaned from the build sheet.
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__________________
1970 Formula 400
Carousel Red paint on Black standard interior
A no-engine, no-transmission, no-wheel option car.
Quite likely one of few '70 Muncie three speed Formula 400's left.


1991 Grand Am: 14.4 @ 93.7mph (DA corrected) (retired DD, stock appearing)
2009 Cobalt SS: 13.9 @ 103mph (current DD; makes something north of 300hp & 350ft/lbs)

Last edited by unruhjonny; 04-24-2019 at 01:17 PM.