Shifter Install?
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 738
Likes: 2
From: Richmond VA
There is a minor problem with removing what is referred to as the "demon key". Basically, when you remove the little plastic plate that shows the shift pattern, if you look into the cavity, toward the rearmost part there is a small rectangular metal pin. This pin is in the shape of a "T" with the bottom sticking down the shifter shaft into a groove. You have to pry this pin out first and then unscrew the shift ****. A search for "demon key" will turn up some good suggestions for removal. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,246
Likes: 66
From: Middletown CT
Here's how to remove the shift ****. IMO the best method.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...D=34&TopicID=1
As mentioned in the following post by Dave68, the needle nose visegrips will prevent any damage being done to the ****. The jaws of the needlenose visegrips can twist and chew up the key, so after I clamp them on the key, I clamped a second set of regular vise grips on the jaws to keep them from twisting.
Here's the complete shifter install.
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/pat...rInstall.shtml
https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...D=34&TopicID=1
As mentioned in the following post by Dave68, the needle nose visegrips will prevent any damage being done to the ****. The jaws of the needlenose visegrips can twist and chew up the key, so after I clamp them on the key, I clamped a second set of regular vise grips on the jaws to keep them from twisting.
Here's the complete shifter install.
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/pat...rInstall.shtml
Last edited by Greg_E; Dec 23, 2007 at 08:15 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
I've done it many times and here's a method will almost always work without a hitch:
http://www.conceptualpolymer.com/corvette_install.htm
I recommend this type of vise grip, as it is less likely to damage the OEM shif ****.
http://www.conceptualpolymer.com/corvette_install.htm
I recommend this type of vise grip, as it is less likely to damage the OEM shif ****.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,156
Likes: 2
From: Arlington VA
Here's how to remove the shift ****. IMO the best method.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...D=34&TopicID=1
As mentioned in the following post by Dave68, the needle nose visegrips will prevent any damage being done to the ****. The jaws of the needlenose visegrips can twist and chew up the key, so after I clamp them on the key, I clamped a second set of regular vise grips on the jaws to keep them from twisting.
Here's the complete shifter install.
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/pat...rInstall.shtml
https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...D=34&TopicID=1
As mentioned in the following post by Dave68, the needle nose visegrips will prevent any damage being done to the ****. The jaws of the needlenose visegrips can twist and chew up the key, so after I clamp them on the key, I clamped a second set of regular vise grips on the jaws to keep them from twisting.
Here's the complete shifter install.
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/pat...rInstall.shtml
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: Ringgold GA
One note on the vise grip screw driver method. Have someone hold something (board?) above the vise grips so they don't fly up and hit the windshield. If you have a particularly stubborn key you are putting a lot of pressure to it when it finally lets go.
On a good note, I'm finally getting that little tiny chip in my windshield fixed
On a good note, I'm finally getting that little tiny chip in my windshield fixed
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Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
One note on the vise grip screw driver method. Have someone hold something (board?) above the vise grips so they don't fly up and hit the windshield. If you have a particularly stubborn key you are putting a lot of pressure to it when it finally lets go.
On a good note, I'm finally getting that little tiny chip in my windshield fixed
On a good note, I'm finally getting that little tiny chip in my windshield fixed
This is why I advise people to use the hammer-tapping method with the long-neck visegrips. The screwdriver/lever arm method is more dangerous, once the key disengages.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: Ringgold GA
Great way to start what's going to be a long weekend. New clutch going in along w/ shifter and long tubes. Hopefully the only carnage of the weekend.
