Gear Shift Knob Removal - 1955

[D.Yaros]

Am sure I am not the 1st to do this, and looking for direction.  The gearshift knob/handle on my '55 Coupe de Ville is not correct.  It is wood, instead of the properly colored dark (Cumulus) gray plastic.

My question is, how is the knob/handle attached to the lever?  How do I remove it, and how do I attach the new?

I ask as, the knob/handle is a 3-piece device; metal caps on each end with a plastic tube in the middle.  I see no threads in either the metal ends or the plastic middle portion.  Does it just press fit on, screw on, what?

Appreciate the insight from someone who has been there/done that.

Thanks,

[Mike Josephic CLC #3877]

Mine was just a press fit with glue -- first the chrome ends onto the plastic
then the whole knob onto the shift lever.  There are no threads or other fancy
ways to attach it.  Ditto with the turn signal knob.

I used epoxy glue but I'm sure that other types (silicone) would work as well.

McVey used to offer repro knobs for these -- don't know if he still does. You will have
to color them with a paint to match the dark color on the steering wheel.  Originally,
the knobs did match this color.

Mike

[D.Yaros]

Mike,

Thanks.  I do have the replacement knob, and, thankfully,  I got it a hell of a lot cheaper than as offered by any vendor.  Somehow, gluing it on does not quite seem to meet the "Standard of the World," if you know what I mean?

[J. Gomez]

Dave,

I can only provide the method describe in the 1956 manual by placing the plastic knob in hot water to soften the plastic for removal and installation. The instructions do not detail the temperature or length of time.

The metal shaft has grooves and the diameter is a bit larger than the plastic knob. Once the plastic cools and shrinks it forms a tight bond with the shaft.

HTH

Good luck…!

[D.Yaros]

Jose,

Use of hot water makes sense.  Having said that, kind of hard to apply hot water to the knob that is in place on the lever now.  Maybe use a rag soaked in hot water wrapped around the knob?

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

One way to apply heat could be to wrap a thick piece of cloth around the lever, and with a Steam Iron, from the Laundry, and using Leather Gloves to protect the tender skin, apply the steam to the cloth to raise the temperature.

Bruce.

[D.Yaros]

While this is a project that has yet to be completed, I am sure I will be able to get the old knob off, one way or another.  My real concern is with installing the new know.  It will have to be painted before installation.  I am wondering if the new paint will hold up under the expansion/contraction involved in using a heat process?

[Terry Cox #26379]

another way might be to heat the knob by putting it inside a pair of ladies  old nylons and hanging it over a steam (hot water) vaporizer. (fishnets not required).
myself, having just retired from a domestic big three (non bailout $) truck producer, one would be amazed to see how many parts are under a heat lamp of some sort on the line before it is installed on a vehicle to insure proper fit /adhesion. one such item is the large insulation mat that is behind the i.p. (instument panel)...again to insure proper fit even though it is pre-formed. just an idea, terry cox #26379

[D.Yaros]

Another difficulty I am finding in connection with this job is locating a supplier for the paint needed.  The knob is white, and needs to be Cumulus Gray.  I do have the R-M, Dupont and factory paint codes.  I have emailed a couple of paint supplier, without getting a response.  All I need is a 12 oz. aerosol can to do the job.

Any recommendations in this area?

[J. Gomez]

Another difficulty I am finding in connection with this job is locating a supplier for the paint needed.  The knob is white, and needs to be Cumulus Gray.  I do have the R-M, Dupont and factory paint codes.  I have emailed a couple of paint supplier, without getting a response.  All I need is a 12 oz. aerosol can to do the job.

Any recommendations in this area?

Dave,

Have you check Tower Paint http://www.towerpaint.com/, there are back in business, or maybe Bill Hirsch http://www.hirschauto.com/..!

Good luck..!

[D.Yaros]

Jose,

Tower was the very first firm I contacted.  It never bothered to respond to my email inquiry.  I have thought about, but have not contacted Hirsch.  I shall do so as all it can do is say, "Sorry, no can do."