so close for a 5speed transmission swap

[RickB]

I just got a reply from ggzilla saying:

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]These all interchange. Bends/length differ.

* 63-series 5-speed shifter
* 56-series shifter
* 60-series shifter [/QUOTE]

Which seems to be what Mike also said.

 

[RickB]

Jean, where did you post? I don't see it.

 

[Pythias]

I have a nice shift knob on it that uses a set screw.

You bring up an interesting point here. When Paul A. was selling his kits, he cut the sticks then welded them off to to the side to make them shorter and fit the tranny hole better. I wanted to use a Sprite knob instead of a Datsun one and he said I could just go ahead and run an NF 3/8 die down the metric threads and use any stock fitting knob I wanted. I did and I have.

 

[nomad]

I weld them to the side, cut off the lever and weld on a 3/8nf bolt. I then grind the bolt joint smooth and paint the lever. If I had a lever nice enough to keep in crome I would go to the trouble of reshaping and cutting new threads.

Kurt.

 

[Billm]

Hi all-
I made it to San Diego just fine and then the next day my (Datsun) starter died (so no issue). I replaced the starter and then found that my points were so badly burned that it wouldn't start. Can't believe that it held out and waited to die when it was convenient for ME!!
Now that the points are cleaned and the new starter (O'Reilley's) installed it runs great again. These cars are amazing!
As for shifter handles- I only have a couple (actually not enough fot the transmissions that I have). The 4-speed, 5-speed and dogleg ones all fit the same. It is the -63 (B210) ones that don't fit, they are the same ones as the 510, 240, 280, etc and are too long for the regular transmissions that we use in the Spridget conversions.
Bill
(in San Diego and loving the weather!!!!)

 

[Guest]

How 'bout cut the end the right lenth then weld up material then grind into a ball?

 

[RickB]

Bill,
Good to hear you made it ok and the car didn't cause too much difficulty.
Yes that Datsun A series drive train is great isn't it

 

[nomad]

Bill,
Good to hear you made it ok and the car didn't cause too much difficulty.
Yes that Datsun A series drive train is great isn't it

Nissan copied the BMC A series and then improved it. Too bad there cars from that era all rusted away. BTW, Rick and Bill, I'm building a hot 1600 Datsun engine now destined for a spridget!

Kurt.

 

[Gerard]

I have a nice shift knob on it that uses a set screw.

You bring up an interesting point here. When Paul A. was selling his kits, he cut the sticks then welded them off to to the side to make them shorter and fit the tranny hole better. I wanted to use a Sprite knob instead of a Datsun one and he said I could just go ahead and run an NF 3/8 die down the metric threads and use any stock fitting knob I wanted. I did and I have.

Except that the thread for a Spridget knob (and all other British ones I am aware of) are 5/16"-18, not 3/8". I modify the shifters in the same fashion as Paul did and rethread the metric coarse thread to the 5/16" coarse.

 

[nomad]

I had forgotten, Gerard. What I use fits!

Kurt.

 

[RichBall]

Hey Jean,

According the online inventory on Pick-n-Pull's website they just got an '81 210 in their South Portland yard on 2/15. Maybe you could talk one of our own from the Portland area to stop by and see if it has a shift leaver.

 

[Gerard]

I had forgotten, Gerard. What I use fits!

Kurt.

Not sure if you misunderstood my intention or not. My comment was strictly to provide the accurate info for those who may be"taking notes". I'm sure you have it right as a standard knob would not fit on a 3/8" dia. anyway.

 

[nomad]

I had forgotten, Gerard. What I use fits!

Kurt.

Not sure if you misunderstood my intention or not. My comment was strictly to provide the accurate info for those who may be"taking notes". I'm sure you have it right as a standard knob would not fit on a 3/8" dia. anyway.

Naw, just wanted to acknowledge my foot in mouth and apologize. Over the years I've had to weld a bolt to 2 british shifters that PO had somehow managed to break off as well.
Kurt.

 

[twas_brillig]

Two questions (and one bit of 'useful' info):
1 - useful info: as of last year, you could still buy the plastic cup that goes on the end of the shift lever and inserts into the Datsun transmission parts
2 - also as of last year, you could no longer get the two plastic 'top hat shaped' bushings (although you could still get the pin)that centres the shift lever on the pin and between the ears of the transmission
3 - question: any suggestions for alternate sources of the plastic 'top hats'? I'd specified the 210 five speed when talking to the Nissan dealer; does anyone know if there are other bushings that might mix and match, and if they're available?
4 - question: we have a bug-eye. I would ideally like to keep the metal 'cupola' the shift lever comes through, but I get the impression that this isn't possible (even with cutting and welding the levers). Can anyone advise, and - if so - where to send what?

Thanks
Doug

 

[Rut]

Doug,
Have your Nissan dealer look harder...I got a cup and a pak of 'top hats' this year. I also see them on ebay and someone sells some brass ones. I too want to keep the 'cupola' when I do the swap and would like to know what I need to do as well.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Datsun-Shift-Bus...ies&vxp=mtr

 

[nomad]

Doug,
Have your Nissan dealer look harder...I got a cup and a pak of 'top hats' this year. I also see them on ebay and someone sells some brass ones. I too want to keep the 'cupola' when I do the swap and would like to know what I need to do as well.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Datsun-Shift-Bus...ies&vxp=mtr

I believe these are still available as Rut mentioned but I made up something that would work from off the shelf bushings at my local hardware store. (Brass or bronze) Involved some hacksaw and file work but not much.

Kurt.