Short Throw Install
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From: Austin TX
Short Throw Install
I'm going through the short throw shifter install and I can't get the center pin out of my old shifter. Is there a trick to getting that pin out that I should know about? I'm using cajundude's instructions (which are EXCELLENT btw). But there is nothing about if you can't get the center pin out. HELP! 
Melting Slicks
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Originally Posted by Johnny5
I'm going through the short throw shifter install and I can't get the center pin out of my old shifter. Is there a trick to getting that pin out that I should know about? I'm using cajundude's instructions (which are EXCELLENT btw). But there is nothing about if you can't get the center pin out. HELP!
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From: Austin TX
So I just tried to jam a screw driver under the center pin and using leverage and a hammer tried to pry it up. Still can't get the center pin to budge. Actually starting to deform the bottom of the center pin. I bought this car used, would there be any reason for the previous owner to have super glued/epoxied this pin in place?
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From: Bonneville Salt Flats
The thing is called a "Demon Key or Pin" for a reason. As a used car, though, you've no idea what you've got. If the pin is damaged you will need to drill it out.
However, I got mine out by using a small Snap-On distributor/carb-wrench (small open-end with the open part turned to about 60-70 degrees or so to the handle), put something under the end as a fulcrum, hooked the open end of the wrench under the pin and simply levered it loose. No slipping and damaging anything or oneself as has been reported with other ways.
Good luck... it's well worth the trouble!
However, I got mine out by using a small Snap-On distributor/carb-wrench (small open-end with the open part turned to about 60-70 degrees or so to the handle), put something under the end as a fulcrum, hooked the open end of the wrench under the pin and simply levered it loose. No slipping and damaging anything or oneself as has been reported with other ways.
Good luck... it's well worth the trouble!
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From: Austin TX
I'll see if I can't get one of those tomorrow. On a side note, say i just say f*** it, if I buy a new short throw boot, and shift ****, can i bypass the whole step of removing the stock ****? I was thinking about doing this anyway, I was just going to get the shifter installed first then decide whether or not I needed a shorty boot and new ****.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Paducah Ky
When I shortened my shifter I dreaded the thought of getting the demon key out. It really only took me a couple of minutes to get it out.
I first got a pair of needlenose visegrips and put them on top of the pin. Then get a screwdriver that will fit thru the gap in the middle of the needlenose. Then got a hammer and started tapping on the screwdriver from beneath, a little on each side and the key popped right out. Some people have used a touch of lubricant on the demon key but I didn't find it necessary to do so. Hope this helps.
I first got a pair of needlenose visegrips and put them on top of the pin. Then get a screwdriver that will fit thru the gap in the middle of the needlenose. Then got a hammer and started tapping on the screwdriver from beneath, a little on each side and the key popped right out. Some people have used a touch of lubricant on the demon key but I didn't find it necessary to do so. Hope this helps.
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Originally Posted by MY1STPEWTER
When I shortened my shifter I dreaded the thought of getting the demon key out. It really only took me a couple of minutes to get it out.
I first got a pair of needlenose visegrips and put them on top of the pin. Then get a screwdriver that will fit thru the gap in the middle of the needlenose. Then got a hammer and started tapping on the screwdriver from beneath, a little on each side and the key popped right out.
I first got a pair of needlenose visegrips and put them on top of the pin. Then get a screwdriver that will fit thru the gap in the middle of the needlenose. Then got a hammer and started tapping on the screwdriver from beneath, a little on each side and the key popped right out.
This is exactly how I got mine out! 
I also covered it with a towel just in case it decided to launch itself towards the windshield! 
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From: Fort Lauderdale, FL 140 & Still More Pedal
I used vice grips to grab it and hammered the vice grips in an upward motion and within 3 minutes it was out.
Follow Patches instructions. Short boot from Vette Essentials if you will be using a C6 ****.
Good Luck
Follow Patches instructions. Short boot from Vette Essentials if you will be using a C6 ****.
Good Luck
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From: Austin TX
Thanks patches, I'll see if I can't get ahold of some scrap wood tomorrow and try that. Of course I'm moving between places right now so most of my tools and any wood that I could cut up for scrap is in a storage space. Hopefully the big HD will be able to help me out.
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From: San Diego CA
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From: Austin TX
So I've tried the block of wood/screwdriver leverage method with no results. I've tried the 2 flathead screw drivers and prying up at the same time and still this thing isn't budging at all. 
So what are my options? If I take it into a 
dealer, can I just have one of their techs get it out? Can I buy a new shift boot and **** and then just throw away the whole old stock assembly? also what aftermarket shift **** will work with the hurst shifter? will any momo work? thanks
So what are my options? If I take it into a dealer, can I just have one of their techs get it out? Can I buy a new shift boot and **** and then just throw away the whole old stock assembly? also what aftermarket shift **** will work with the hurst shifter? will any momo work? thanks
Last edited by Johnny5; Aug 7, 2005 at 04:14 PM.
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From: San Diego CA
Did you try this?
http://www.conceptualpolymer.com/corvette_install.htm
Get the right tool and you WILL get it out. By the way, any shift **** that works on an OEM shifter will work on the short throw.
http://www.conceptualpolymer.com/corvette_install.htm
Get the right tool and you WILL get it out. By the way, any shift **** that works on an OEM shifter will work on the short throw.
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From: Austin TX
Ahhhh finally, using the needlenose pliers and hammer I finally got the pin out and then about an hour later it was all done....ah it feels great. This is the first mod i've done for my car and I'm extermely happy with. Already looking at what I can do next 
to everyone who posted advice. It helped a ton.
to everyone who posted advice. It helped a ton.
