shifter extension removal

[timspider]

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

[So Cal Mark]

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

[Tuc124]

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.

[RoyBatty]

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.

[timspider]

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!

[azruss]

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]

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.

[timspider]

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.

[124Germ]

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

[RoyBatty]

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.

[aj81spider]

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



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.

[124Germ]

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

[RRoller123]

You will need to invent a few new swear words for this job.

[paintdudeluke]

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?

[aj81spider]

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.