Removing overdrive gearknob

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markas
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Location: Deux-Sèvres, France

Removing overdrive gearknob

#1 Post by markas »

As the subject says, how the hell do I remove this?
Got a new leather gaiter (ooh-er) to tart up the gearlever console. The old vinyl gaiter was so split at the top that it slipped over the gearknob, but cannot remove the knob to slip the newly improved console over the top of it.
Have removed the overdrive switch but can only loosen off the tapered chrome locking nut about 1/2 a complete turn before experiencing a lot of resistance. Don't want to force it in case I'm doing the wrong thing and it fractures! The knob is now loose but will not turn the opposite direction or lift off.
Mark

1980 Dolomite 1850HL Auto
1977 Dolomite 1500
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markas
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Location: Deux-Sèvres, France

Re: Removing overdrive gearknob

#2 Post by markas »

OK problem solved after a bit of googling on the CT forum. There's an inner nut to remove with b** all to get hold of! Possibly the same tool needed ideally as for certain items of BL switchgear.
Mark

1980 Dolomite 1850HL Auto
1977 Dolomite 1500
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Galileo
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Re: Removing overdrive gearknob

#3 Post by Galileo »

Yep, locknut below the gear knob, nut under the switch but I don't remember it giving me any grief!
Current fleet: '75 Sprint, '73 1850, Daihatsu Fourtrak, Honda CG125, Yamaha Fazer 600, Shetland 570 (yes it's a boat!)

Past fleet: Triumph 2000, Lancia Beta Coupe, BL Mini Clubman, Austin Metro, Vauxhall Cavalier MK1 & MK2, Renault 18 D, Rover 216 GSI, Honda Accord (most expensive car purchase, hated, made out of magnetic metal as only car I've ever been crashed into...4 times), BMW 318, Golf GTi MK3 16v x 3
Jon Tilson
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Re: Removing overdrive gearknob

#4 Post by Jon Tilson »

If you loosen the nut below the knob the inner threaded collar can be teased out easily with a small flat screwdriver. When you refit you want
maximum space inside the knob for wire and connectors so put the collar on the threaded section at the very top and do it up untils its flush with the stick. Then tighten the lower nut against the knob to secure.

Jonners
Note from Admin: sadly Jon passed away in February 2018 but his humour and wealth of knowledge will be fondly remembered by all. RIP Jonners.
Robert 352
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Re: Removing overdrive gearknob

#5 Post by Robert 352 »

Jonners is absolutely spot on with his advice here. I found a piece of tube in my scrap tin and filed it so that it fits the two slots in the inner threaded collar. I have used old box spanners in the past to create similar tools. I slide the wires for the switch up inside the tube and then turn the tube to remove and reinstall the collar.

It is absolutely essential that you take the collar down until it is just flush with the top of the gearstick – as Jonners has recommended. Then I reach down and for those of you who remember how to milk a cow, use your hand to “stroke” the outside of the gaiter and gearstick and pick up the wire where it exits the gear stick and gently pull it/work it down with the gear knob cover and switch attached until the cover is just about in place. Then all you have to do is push the cover into place without bunching up the wires beneath it.

I suspect there will be one or two of you out there who have never milked a cow, perhaps then the action required is a bit like stroking a cat. Beware though, cats have claws - and cows have hooves, cars though are much more benign creatures!!

If you have never milked a cow or stroked a cat then I am not sure what to recommend. Find a milk maid perhaps!

Drop by sometime and I am sure I can find a cow around here that will allow you to milk it. I have a dozen grazing in the field beside the house right now.

Robert
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GTS290N
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Re: Removing overdrive gearknob

#6 Post by GTS290N »

And here's mine:
ImageDSC_0048[1]
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