Confused about gear stick/shift knobs

[jjbunn]

I need to find a gear knob for my '73 MBG GT, since it is missing. I'm confused about all the different types advertised on Ebay and elsewhere.

Ideally I'd like one with the "R-1-2-3-4" shift pattern marked on it. Is that period-correct? What's the deal with thread pitch: are shift knobs earlier than '69 unsuitable for my car? Are there any horror stories regarding the walnut and vinyl knobs typically seen for sale on Ebay: are they good quality, or do they disintegrate after a few vigorous gear changes ?!

Thanks!

 

[DrEntropy]

I've a collection of walnut knobs from just about every B I've ever owned. Used to be a company called Amco made 'em. I just reconditioned the one from my original MGB... a '65 I bought in '69 and drove for 200K + miles... I'll post a photo t'morrow AM. No idea what the "new" ones are like as I just go to the "pile" and pull one out and refinish it.

 

[jjbunn]

So I ordered a replacement knob from Moss, one with the shift pattern on it. I was assured it would fit my '73 MGB GT. But it doesn't: the threaded hole diameter is much smaller than the stick on my car.

The knob hole is 5/16". Isn't that for an older MGB?

 

[Scott_Hower]

Are you certain the knob is threaded? For a while Moss, et al were supplying knobs with a "universal insert". That was code-speak for twisting the insert on to cut your own threads.

The original style shift knob for a 73 (a squareish pear with H pattern plus reverse) has long been NLA.

Triple-C has them for about $20. Almost an exact duplicate:

https://www.triple-c.com/Store_Detail.cfm?ID=109210&InfoID=2441&ShowLarge=True

They don't have the shift pattern insert, but they do have one with an octagon/MG

 

[GB1]

[ QUOTE ]
I've a collection of walnut knobs

[/ QUOTE ]

Doc!

Ahhhemmmm

Patrick

 

[jlaird]

Doc, If it says Austin Healey on the knob, no good to you. Hehe.

 

[jjbunn]

Yes, the knob is threaded. This is part "461-680 KNOB, reproduction of original". Even though it appears in the 62-67 section, Moss told me it would fit my '73. I guess there was a misunderstanding somewhere along the line. :-(

 

[Steve_S]

There are two threads for early and late. Early covers years from at least the 40's through Mark I MGB. When they changed to the 4-syncro transmission in 1968, the thread changed as well. Don't quote me but I believe the early thread was 5/16-24 and the later thread is 5/16-18.

You can run a tap through the existing threads to make it fit your application. I've done this before. However, since the knob is new you may prefer to return it and get the correct one. It would certainly be stronger. Either that or drill it out and install a threaded insert such as Helicoil.

 

[DrEntropy]

This "collection" is all Amco, all "well" used. Some without any cloisonnae, all are "MG" to fit the "crashbox first gear" boxes. Rough as old cobs, th' lot. I'd be ashamed to pass any of 'em. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[Steve_S]

I have a few Amco knobs as well. Mostly walnut "baloon" knobs with MG logos. One has a shift pattern. I also have one leather version which is installed in my MGA. I had to re-tap the threads to fit.

 

[Camshaft]

I have a knob in my bookcase that looks like an Amco knob, I found it in Charlotte's glovebox when I adopted her. All of the "teeth" that held the threaded metal insert in place are stripped out. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif

 

[jjbunn]

Well, I've sent the knob Moss sent me back. I'm coming to the conclusion that my transmission may have been upgraded to a later version, since the stick has a diameter of 3/8", way bigger than the knob Moss sent.

I was hoping to get a knob with the "R-1-2-3-4" pattern, but it doesn't look like such a thing exists in the larger size.

 

[Steve_S]

It's easy enough to tap one out to 3/8".

 

[jjbunn]

Yes, if you have a 3/8" tap

Congrats on your web site, mgnuts.com: it's excellent.

 

[Steve_S]

You can pick up a 3/8"-16 tap for a couple dollars. You should have a tap set on hand anyway!

Glad you enjoyed the site. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif