Shift Ball Key Removal
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,456
Likes: 102
From: Piedmont Va
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13,'19-'20
Shift Ball Key Removal
Greetings,
Im in the middle of a project to swap to C6 shifter and install a iSimple. Using a recommended thread by a forum member, I attempted to pry up the press in key to remove the shift ball, and managed to break off the right front corner.
In no way shape or form can I get this thing to budge. I as trying to use a chisel and tap with a ball pean, but felt that was putting to much pressure on the shift mechanicals so gave that up. I gave it a shot of penetrating oil, and went to the vice grip method. Still at this point, I cannot get it to budge! 
Any idea's before i 
???
At this point I plan hit it with some more oil and keep at it with vice grips. Any additional idea's or known solutions would be greatly appreciated.
I really like this car, but that is one dumbazz design imo.
peace -pappy
Im in the middle of a project to swap to C6 shifter and install a iSimple. Using a recommended thread by a forum member, I attempted to pry up the press in key to remove the shift ball, and managed to break off the right front corner.
In no way shape or form can I get this thing to budge. I as trying to use a chisel and tap with a ball pean, but felt that was putting to much pressure on the shift mechanicals so gave that up. I gave it a shot of penetrating oil, and went to the vice grip method. Still at this point, I cannot get it to budge! Any idea's before i ???At this point I plan hit it with some more oil and keep at it with vice grips. Any additional idea's or known solutions would be greatly appreciated.
I really like this car, but that is one dumbazz design imo.
peace -pappy
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 298
Likes: 12
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,393
Likes: 17
From: Belleville Mich.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 483
Likes: 3
From: Woodstock Ga
worked when prying wasn't cutting it...
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 13,760
Likes: 75
From: Haymarket VA
I ended up drilling a small hole and tapping it so I could put in a screw for better purchase with some vicegrips and then tapped up on the vice grips.
This was after I put a screw driver through the palm of my hand.
This was after I put a screw driver through the palm of my hand.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
Likes: 291
From: Pasco WA
The two small screwdriver method should work fine, even with a tab broken. Use one small flat screwdriver on either side, and press towards the center, while rocking the key out. They don't call it the "demon" key for no reason.
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,456
Likes: 102
From: Piedmont Va
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13,'19-'20
Thanks all for the pointers. I have hit it with two shots of WD40. Will try the vice-grip screw driver combo tonight. If I still fail I'll plan to drill it out. Stay Tuned!
Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 654
Likes: 1
From: chandler az
That's what I did. I drilled a small hole in the top and my slide hammer has a wood screw that goes in the small hole. My slide hammer is only about a 18 inches, so there was a lot room.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,456
Likes: 102
From: Piedmont Va
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13,'19-'20
Success!
Soaking it with the "spritzer" did the trick. 
This evening I clamped the vice grips on and it wiggled right out! New shifter is in and I have all gears! thanks for all the pointers gents!
This evening I clamped the vice grips on and it wiggled right out! New shifter is in and I have all gears! thanks for all the pointers gents!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 927
Likes: 6
From: King George VA
Good job! While trying to remove the key on my Z06, I put a small screwdriver through my hand, and nearly hit myself in the face with my visegrips haha. It was all worth it to have the C6 shifter! 