shifter extension removal

Maintenance advice to keep your Spider in shape.
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timspider
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shifter extension removal

Postby timspider » Fri Feb 14, 2014 9:18 am

I'm trying to figure out how exactly the shifter extension comes off. I get that there is a bushing set on there that will probably need replacing. Does it just pull straight up? Is there something to turn or twist or pry first? Just muscle the thing off and order new bushings? Hoping there is a friendlier way to do it.
thanks
Tim Krueger
1978 Fiat Spider 124
2012 Honda CRV
Timberland Boots

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So Cal Mark
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Re: shifter extension removal

Postby So Cal Mark » Fri Feb 14, 2014 10:01 am

you have to pry the retainer down, then remove the upper lever.
Mark Allison
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Tuc124

Re: shifter extension removal

Postby Tuc124 » Fri Feb 14, 2014 10:32 am

Not sure why your removing it but you might consider going with one of the short shifters. It really shortens the throw and looks better tan the long original. I got mine from Allison's . About $35 or so if I remember correctly.

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RoyBatty
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Your car is a: 1975 124 Spider - 1971 124 Sport Coupe
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Re: shifter extension removal

Postby RoyBatty » Fri Feb 14, 2014 10:46 am

Be forwarned.
If you install a short shifter mod, you will be removing the vibration insulating rubber bushings that secure the stock tube to the solid shaft.
I love the shorter throw of the short shifter but there is increased noise from the shift lever vibrating at specific RPMs as you go thru the gears. Reminds me of my dads old manual transmission trucks back when I was a kid.
I just received the anti rattle clip from Auto Ricambi and will be installing it this weekend in hopes to reduce the noise from the vibration. As it is now there is no clip installed, never has been since I've owned the car.

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timspider
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Re: shifter extension removal

Postby timspider » Fri Feb 14, 2014 2:11 pm

as always, thanks for the help.
got it off with the downward pry and upward pull, after some struggling. I'm just taking it off to fit a new interior and exterior boot on. I kind of like the longer throw and the original look of the high sitting wooden shift knob. For sure I could shift gears faster with a shorter handle, but I haven't run into a need to shift any faster than I do.
now on to the the carpeting!
Tim Krueger
1978 Fiat Spider 124
2012 Honda CRV
Timberland Boots

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azruss
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Re: shifter extension removal

Postby azruss » Fri Feb 14, 2014 2:30 pm

I have a short shifter i got in a trade. I think it is a Michigan short shifter. It has room for the rubber grommets so i dont have the vibration issue.

Tuc124

Re: shifter extension removal

Postby Tuc124 » Fri Feb 14, 2014 4:01 pm

Image

With my short shifter it is held to the stub shaft with three Allen screws. I've pulled the boot down a little so you can see the stub shaft. As long as the screws are tight, it won't vibrate.

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timspider
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Re: shifter extension removal

Postby timspider » Mon Mar 03, 2014 9:16 am

Although I like the original, too tall, extension with wood knob, I have to admit I like the look of this short shifter too. At this point, I'm only replacing things that are actually broken, with the exception of the new alternator I bought last night. So starting now, I am only buying new things to replace broken things.
Wait, I also got a pair of chromed wiper arms last night- so those are the last things. Only replacing broken stuff from here on out.
With the possible exception of new tail light assemblies. I really like those. Yes, that is absolutely the last upgrade for a component that works, I'm pretty sure.
Tim Krueger
1978 Fiat Spider 124
2012 Honda CRV
Timberland Boots

124Germ

Re: shifter extension removal

Postby 124Germ » Mon Mar 03, 2014 6:59 pm

Can anyone post pictures on how to exactly remove the shifter? I have tried, but can't figure it out.

Sorry for the hijack.
Jeremy

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RoyBatty
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Re: shifter extension removal

Postby RoyBatty » Tue Mar 04, 2014 1:33 am

Get two small thin straight blade screwdrivers and maybe a 90 degree scribe or O-ring tool.
Work to compress the retaining fingers of the lower plastic clip as you apply force to pull it down.
Prepare to cuss a lot. I know some may frown on letting expletives fly in these situations, but I find it therapeutic.
Kinda like when the Tasmanian devil is pissed at anyone else in the area.
Once the plastic clip pops down, you will ask yourself, what was so tuff about that.

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aj81spider
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Re: shifter extension removal

Postby aj81spider » Tue Mar 04, 2014 7:11 am

Here's a picture of my pieces, taken when I removed my shifter so I would know how to put it back together.

Image

You are pressing in the little flanges on the plastic piece on the right to get it past a lip inside the shifter. Once you get a couple pressed in the shifter will pop right off - or at least it did for me.

As Roy pointed out, swearing a lot helps - it makes the shifter think you're serious.
A.J.

1974 Fiat 124 Spider
2006 Corvette
1981 Spider 2000 (sold 2013 - never should have sold that car)

124Germ

Re: shifter extension removal

Postby 124Germ » Tue Mar 04, 2014 8:33 pm

Thanks for the picture, that really helps me understand what I'm pressing in with the small screwdrivers. any recommendations on screwdriver sizes....I would think there is limited space between the pieces.

I completely understand and agree with the swearing, it has helped me in the past while working/fixing my bikes.

Thanks again.

Jeremy

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RRoller123
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Re: shifter extension removal

Postby RRoller123 » Tue Mar 04, 2014 10:34 pm

You will need to invent a few new swear words for this job. :wink:
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paintdudeluke
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Re: shifter extension removal

Postby paintdudeluke » Tue Mar 04, 2014 11:11 pm

why not just shove 3 or 4 "shims" or whatever to compress the whole ring before you try to fight it off? It looks like there are 4 quarters needing wedged toward the center right?
81 spider 2000. Fuel injected

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aj81spider
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Re: shifter extension removal

Postby aj81spider » Wed Mar 05, 2014 9:00 am

I used two very small screwdrivers - the two smallest in my set. They were flat blades with maybe a 3/16 inch wide tip.

There are 4 wings on the plastic piece, but I was able to do it with two screwdrivers.
A.J.

1974 Fiat 124 Spider
2006 Corvette
1981 Spider 2000 (sold 2013 - never should have sold that car)


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