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Gear shift lever threads

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Tinkerman

Tinkerman

Darth Vader
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Afternoon All:

The gear shift lever on my TR-3A has 7/16 X 32 threads for the knob. I don't have anything that size in my tap and die set and my lever needs some thread chasing. Does any one have the approprite die that I could beg, borrow, buy or steal in their tool box? Or short of that know where I might be able to buy one.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Tinkerman
 
I don't know where to just go get a die, but the two other places I've encountered that thread size are old (non-metric) bicycles and electronics parts (switches and such that are mounted to panels). Is there a bike shop near you? That might be a place to look. I can't say that I've ever seen a die like that at e'tronic supply places, but a phone call wouldn't hurt...

I'd send you one, if I could. :smile:
 
ACE hardware sells individual taps and dies. 7/16 x 32 should be rather common. About $4.00 to $6.00 ea. if I recall.
 
I tried at Ace, long ago ... they told me there was no such thing !

MMC has them, but not cheap ... just the die is $54.

I would suggest instead buying a "thread restoring file" that covers 32 tpi ($9 @ MMC)
https://www.mcmaster.com/
 
I went to ACE 2 weeks ago and they had a whole small wall of individual taps and dies. I think I did anyway. Yes, yes I did, I'm holding it in my hand now.

WHEW!
 
Yeah, but how many of them are NS threads ? Mine doesn't even carry the less common NF sizes, like 4-48.
 
TR3driver said:
I tried at Ace, long ago ... they told me there was no such thing !

MMC has them, but not cheap ... just the die is $54.

I would suggest instead buying a "thread restoring file" that covers 32 tpi ($9 @ MMC)
https://www.mcmaster.com/
Click to expand...

Great suggestion TR3driver. I have about six thread files in my tool box, both in metric and SAE threads. A few of these will cover just about any thread you encounter. They are a god send when you have to clean up threads that you don't have a die for.

Here's what they look like. Each one has eight thread pitches on it. You will need at least two in order to cover all of the common yankee sizes that you may encounter.

Edit: The beauty of a thread file is that it doesn't matter what the diameter of the part that you are cleaning up the threads on. The '32' pitch file could be used on a 10-32 screw as well as your 7/16-32 gearshift.
 
Glad I got twigged to the thread file. I knew they existed but never bought/used one. I have an extensive tap and die set but am occasionally bumfuzzled by a size I done have. This may be the answer. Look forward to getting the one I ordered, the price is certainly very agreeable.

Thanks again, Tinkerman
 
After you are all said and done getting your gear shift knob threaded properly, wouldn't hurt to apply a drop of Thread Lock to the threads to help secure these little buggers on.
They have a way of coming undone with lots of shifting.
 
Bugeye58 said:
For reference, I found this site that lists the die for $19.00.
Click to expand...
Could we have a link ? Or are you keeping it to yourself /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif

BTW, the TR3 shift knob is supposed to have a locknut under it. I think the TR6 should as well (my Stag does). I've never found Loctite to be necessary, although I have broken a couple of the walnut knobs away from the metal threaded portion. After the second one broke, I fixed the first one with JB Weld, which worked out well.
 
My shift lever on this TR6 had seen a better day, with the paddle portion on the bottom pretty well worn and the top end still threaded but stripped. Whilst visiting The Roadster Factory a few years ago (my once-in-a-lifetime visit to Mecca) Charles Runyun let me have the run of the place, rummaging through all his bins and shelves having the time of my life. Like a kid in a candy store. I came across an OE, never used, new shift lever, still having what looked like Cosomoline coating it. Bought it, and a bunch of other stuff, on the spot. Anyway, locknut and all, I have found the knob to come loose once too many times. Maybe it is the Taiwanese threading on my leather shift knob that doesn't mate well. A drop of Locktite has served me well.
 
TR3driver said:
Could we have a link ? Or are you keeping it to yourself /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif
Click to expand...

I don't believe I did that /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/blush.gif /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif
All better now.
Jeff
 
Good thought, Thanks
 
Cool, a new supplier to get familiar with !

Thanks, PeterK.
 
I recieved My order from MMC yesterdaay! I odered it on 11/7. Really impressed me!

Hope I can get a Catalog from them.

Cheers, Tinkerman
 
McMC is a great outfit to do business with. I order quite a bit from them, and have always been pleased with their service.
They have the 3/4" x 27 die and bottoming tap that I need.
$105 for the pair.
Life is good! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif
Jeff
 
Tinkerman said:
I recieved My order from MMC yesterdaay! I odered it on 11/7. Really impressed me!

Hope I can get a Catalog from them.

Cheers, Tinkerman
Click to expand...

Don't bother with the catalog unless you have dial-up. I have several at work but don't use them anymore. McMaster's web site is one of the best I've ever used for finding stuff. They walk you right through everything. I find it much easier then the printed book, which is up to about 3,000 pages now.
 
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