Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => Body, interior, paint, chrome, and cosmetic items => Topic started by: SDVC on September 26, 2013, 21:30:37

Title: Tightening Gearshift Ball?
Post by: SDVC on September 26, 2013, 21:30:37

The automatic gearshift ball is loose on our 1967 230SL.  It's sliding up & down the lever.  And because of this it popped-off the MB logo on top.
What's the best method to get this knob secured permanently?
Thanks for the advice.

(http://www.leehedges.com/sdvc/67230SL/gearshift.jpg)

Title: Re: Tightening Gearshift Ball?
Post by: Garry on September 26, 2013, 22:00:17

It is a non original nob.  Maybe an original will fit correctly but may not be to your preference?

Title: Re: Tightening Gearshift Ball?
Post by: Bonnyboy on September 26, 2013, 23:27:27

I had a non original knob on my BMW 2002 and made a couple strips out of an aluminium Beer can and glued them to the inside of the knob and when dry (5 minute epoxy) then put the knob back onto the stick with a bit of pressure and it never fell off. I folded 1 of the strips over on itself at the end to give a bit more bite.

Title: Re: Tightening Gearshift Ball?
Post by: SDVC on September 27, 2013, 00:41:45

Thank you for your advise.  I didn't realize it wasn't an original knob, especially with the MBz logo on it.
Is the original knob for the Automatic 1967 a round ivory one?  And is US$72 a decent price?
(http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Mercedes-Benz-230SL-250SL-280SL-Shift-Knob-Ivory-Auto-/24/!B-GgCqwCWk~$(KGrHqV,!iEEzLTcN8zTBM7sc0PT6w~~_12.JPG)

Title: Re: Tightening Gearshift Ball?
Post by: Garry on September 27, 2013, 10:08:29

That is the correct nob.

The price from one of our listed US suppliers Buds,  shows $68 black, $72 white, but they will give you 10% discount as a Member of the Group. SLS shows a price of Euro 41.65 but I believe they discount that by the German tax that you don't pay of 17.5%. Dont know the US Euro exchange rates or postage that will also come into play.  Also suggest try the MB Classic Centre CA who also will give a Group discount.

Garry

Title: Re: Tightening Gearshift Ball?
Post by: KevinC on September 27, 2013, 14:44:40

I have a black one if you're interested.

Title: Re: Tightening Gearshift Ball?
Post by: garymand on October 09, 2013, 22:58:23

I have the same knob in wood.  Maybe 30 years old.  There is a lock nut tht goes on the shaft first.  The plain balls don't need an orientation, but the star doesn't look classy sideways. 

I also used loc-tite.  You position the star then back tighten the lock nut.  I glued mine inplace because I am a little paranoid some kid will try to steel the shift knob as I left the car unattended, open, with the top down.  Sure if they want it bad enough, a little gllocktight is only a slight deterent. 

I've never seen a chrome one.  I would have gone for that one because the varnish on the wood vanishes in a few yers.