shifter removal question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 475
Likes: 0
From: Euless TX
shifter removal question
I am trying to remove the shifter **** to switch to a ball type and was wondering if it is a screw off type or if there are any staples or screws holding the shifter into place.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
From: North Las Vegas Nevada
you need to pop of the shift pattern insert and there is a metal clip that fits straight down into 2 grooves cut into the shifter. this clip is tough to pull out but you must to remove the ****. after that, the **** will unscrew easily.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
Stick or auto? If it is a stick, you need to remove the cover in the center, then the key under the cover. I think there is an illustrated method in the Tech Tips section to get the key out, but I use a needle nose vice grip to grab the key, then a piece of wood on top of the **** and a screw driver to pry up on the pliers. Works every time, but put a towel over the setup before prying as sometime the pliers and key will fly. Once the key is out, the **** simply unscrews from the shifter shaft. 
Whoops, guess almee types faster than I do
Whoops, guess almee types faster than I do
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 290
Likes: 1
From: naples fl.
i spent about 45 minutes trying to get that damn key out when installing my b&m shifter. finally had enough and got my cordless drill out with a 3/32 drill bit and drilled down all around that key to give it wiggle room. came right out after that. barely hit the threads on the shaft but didn't care because i was replacing it. didn't care if i messed up the **** because i was thinking of replacing it too. ended up using the stock **** and just tightening it way down on the new shifter and threw that damn key out. **** is staying tight but if it ever becomes a problem i'll just use a small amount of locktite to secure it. that key was a bad idea.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,308
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From: The Beautiful Greater Bay Area California
Originally Posted by Dave68
Great link Dave. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,012
Likes: 15
From: Jensen Beach FL
Originally Posted by Dave68
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Drifting
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,788
Likes: 2
From: Tallahassee FL
I just replaced my shifter with a Hurst and I used the dual screwdriver method without a hitch. One screw driver on each side of the key and then using leverage just pry the key out. Worked like a charm. I tried the needlenose vice grips but didn't have much luck that way.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 651
Likes: 0
From: Littleton NC
I'm glad that worked for some of you guys. I tried EVERYTHING and could not break the pin loose. After about 45 minutes I ran out of patience abd drilled the pin out. I messed up the top of the shifter in the process but I did not care because I was going to cut it shorter anyways. Good luck with whatever you do!