Shifter Knob Replacement
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 499
Likes: 0
From: Chambersburg, Pa.
Shifter **** Replacement
I want to replace my M6 stock shifter **** with a Hurst ****. The manual says, remove cap, carefully pry out retainer, and unscrew the ****. My question is this, Does the oem retainer actually lock the shifter in place in lieu of the lock nut used with the Hurst ****? What has anyone used to "carefully pry" out the retainer?
Thanks
Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,167
Likes: 11
From: Powell TN
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
I want to replace my M6 stock shifter **** with a Hurst ****. The manual says, remove cap, carefully pry out retainer, and unscrew the ****. My question is this, Does the oem retainer actually lock the shifter in place in lieu of the lock nut used with the Hurst ****? What has anyone used to "carefully pry" out the retainer?
Thanks
Thanks
EDIT: Yea, demon key.
Last edited by 'VETTE PHASE; Sep 16, 2007 at 01:31 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
The "demon key" is a V shaped stepped wedge that fits into the milled slot at the top of the oem shifter lever. It locks the oem **** in place w/o any other fastener. You'll see it when you remove the shift pattern plastic cap from the leather ****.
The HURST **** (I have one too, remember), is secured either with or without the jamb nut (if it aligns correctly).
If you do a search, use keywords "demon key" and you'll find plenty of past discussions, some with detailed images.
What worked for me was to use a large set of VICE GRIPS and a socket as the leverage point. Place the socket (some use wood) on the top of the oem **** adjacent to the VICE GRIPS. I used a large flat blade screw driver to leverage up on the VICE GRIPS slowly. It might help to add some lubricant. It slipped right out.
Some recommend using two large flat tip screw drivers on either end of the "key" and pry upwards...the problem with that is there is no control of the "key". Some have reported almost breaking a windshield or losing an eye. If you use that method, place a rag over the key to deflect/control its extraction.
The HURST **** (I have one too, remember), is secured either with or without the jamb nut (if it aligns correctly).
If you do a search, use keywords "demon key" and you'll find plenty of past discussions, some with detailed images.
What worked for me was to use a large set of VICE GRIPS and a socket as the leverage point. Place the socket (some use wood) on the top of the oem **** adjacent to the VICE GRIPS. I used a large flat blade screw driver to leverage up on the VICE GRIPS slowly. It might help to add some lubricant. It slipped right out.
Some recommend using two large flat tip screw drivers on either end of the "key" and pry upwards...the problem with that is there is no control of the "key". Some have reported almost breaking a windshield or losing an eye. If you use that method, place a rag over the key to deflect/control its extraction.
Last edited by hotwheels57; Sep 15, 2007 at 04:12 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 499
Likes: 0
From: Chambersburg, Pa.
The "demon key" is a V shaped stepped wedge that fits into the milled slot at the top of the oem shifter lever. It locks the oem **** in place w/o any other fastener. You'll see it when you remove the shift pattern plastic cap from the leather ****.
The HURST **** (I have one too, remember), is secured either with or without the jamb nut (if it aligns correctly).
If you do a search, use keywords "demon key" and you'll find plenty of past discussions, some with detailed images.
What worked for me was to use a large set of VICE GRIPS and a socket as the leverage point. Place the socket (some use wood) on the top of the oem **** adjacent to the VICE GRIPS. I used a large flat blade screw driver to leverage up on the VICE GRIPS slowly. It might help to add some lubricant. It slipped right out.
Some recommend using two large flat tip screw drivers on either end of the "key" and pry upwards...the problem with that is there is no control of the "key". Some have reported almost breaking a windshield or losing an eye. If you use that method, place a rag over the key to deflect/control its extraction.
The HURST **** (I have one too, remember), is secured either with or without the jamb nut (if it aligns correctly).
If you do a search, use keywords "demon key" and you'll find plenty of past discussions, some with detailed images.
What worked for me was to use a large set of VICE GRIPS and a socket as the leverage point. Place the socket (some use wood) on the top of the oem **** adjacent to the VICE GRIPS. I used a large flat blade screw driver to leverage up on the VICE GRIPS slowly. It might help to add some lubricant. It slipped right out.
Some recommend using two large flat tip screw drivers on either end of the "key" and pry upwards...the problem with that is there is no control of the "key". Some have reported almost breaking a windshield or losing an eye. If you use that method, place a rag over the key to deflect/control its extraction.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
We just happen to use the same sites...I was actually hesitant removing the "demon key" from mine. I had visions of shattering my expensive windshield or taking out an eyeball. It came out very easy using the leverage method with a socket.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 36,836
Likes: 244
From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Some guys have a fairly easy time getting the key out and many others don't, hence the "demon key" designation. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,012
Likes: 15
From: Jensen Beach FL
Some forum members suggest using PB Blaster or WD40 on the demon key. Mine kept chipping away and came loose just as the last part of the key was visible. I was really lucky. I did not re-install it when I put my **** back on.
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Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
Grab the demon key with a pair of vice grips with the jaws facing the front and rear of the car.
while you are pretending to be a dentist pulling out a tooth ( wiggle and pull) , sharply tap the passenger side of the vice grips towards the driver side... By tap # 3 the demon key will be out...
while you are pretending to be a dentist pulling out a tooth ( wiggle and pull) , sharply tap the passenger side of the vice grips towards the driver side... By tap # 3 the demon key will be out...
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
This method has never failed me, and I've uninstalled many shift *****:
http://www.conceptualpolymer.com/corvette_install.htm
http://www.conceptualpolymer.com/corvette_install.htm
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 499
Likes: 0
From: Chambersburg, Pa.
Again.......thank you all!!
