17 replies to this topic

[paulrockliffe]

I want to move my gear lever back a bit, not much, but just enough to give me a little bit more clearance betwen my dashboard and the gear lever.

I know that I can move the whole unit including pivot back, but that's quite an involved process, so I'm considering my options.

Can I bend the gear lever 3 or 4 inches above the ballsocket thingy, so that the gear knob is 3 or 4 inches further back?

I can't see any downside off the top of my head, so long as the means of attachment to the gear lever mechanism under the car isn't damaged in the process.

Does anyone know what the correct name for the type of machine I'm after that'll do this? I guess I'd need to go to some sort of machine shop, or possibly a well equiped school metal work department? I'd need to ensure the lever couldn't rotate while being bent, or I'd have the lever moved left-right as well.

If someone could describe how the lever attaches into the gear selector mechanism under the car for me that would be useful too, so I'm aware whether I'll have any problems getting the lever in bits, that would be useful!

Cheers.

[The Matt]

No real problems with doing that to be honest. You did used to be able to buy gear lever extensions that were angled, not sure if you can still get them at the moment though.

I'd be tempted to buy a second hand lever, have a go at bending that in a vice with a length of tube and see what it feels like/turns out like before you attack your proper/original one. It may also be worth heating the area around the bend prior to bending it.

[Puddings]

Conduit bender will do it

[Ethel]

I'd just go for it, avoid any sharp edges. If it goes 'lady lumps up' you could always cut out the mangled bit 'n do a cut 'n shut with some tubing.

[dklawson]

In the 1960s there was an aftermarket part for the remote gearbox shift lever. It was a lever extension bent back on a 45 degree angle. This moved the gear knob back about 2" from its normal "forward" position.

I made one for my car as they have long been unavailable. Mine is made from a piece of bent stainless tubing with an ID just under 5/16". On one side of bend I welded a small stainless hex nut to fit the threads on the gear lever. I tapped the other end for (and tack welded in place) a threaded stud for the shift knob. The end result is a very nice reproduction of a long absent period accessory. It also achieved the result you're after without bending a shift lever.

[paulrockliffe]

Good answers people! I'm surprised no one manufactures the thing that DKLawson described in his post, I'm sure loads of people would find something like that useful!

Cheers.

[minislapper]

I'm sure I've got at least one of these somewhere. If you're interested, drop me a PM and we can sort something out.

[GraemeC]

The lever may not bend successfully - I have a feeling it is a hardened steel item and is more likely to crack then snap than to bend easily.

[paulrockliffe]

The lever may not bend successfully - I have a feeling it is a hardened steel item and is more likely to crack then snap than to bend easily.

I dont't hink mine is standard actually, it looks like aluminium maybe. Definitely something to think about though.

Cheers

[Dan]

You will only be able to bend it in the visible section, the part that is inside the gaiter is the encapsulated rubber section that give some vibration isolation. So you won't be able to bend it where you want, but will be able to do it higher up.

They do still make the cranked gearlever section, under the Speedwell brand. It's available from Mini Spares as BG8119 for about £15.00.

A different stye of lever extension / offset is made by Auto Delta in Japan and available from some specialised importers.

[paulrockliffe]

You will only be able to bend it in the visible section, the part that is inside the gaiter is the encapsulated rubber section that give some vibration isolation. So you won't be able to bend it where you want, but will be able to do it higher up.

They do still make the cranked gearlever section, under the Speedwell brand. It's available from Mini Spares as BG8119 for about £15.00.

A different stye of lever extension / offset is made by Auto Delta in Japan and available from some specialised importers.

Thanks Dan,

I actually meant 3 or 4 inches above the plastic ball bit thingy - I think it'll look a bit odd if it just comes out of the floor at a funny angle, rather than having a visible bend. Will have a look on 'spares......

Cheers!

[paulrockliffe]

Where does that extension go? On to of the gear lever, or at the bottom of the gear lever?

[dklawson]

The extension goes at the top. You remove the shift knob, screw the extension on, then attach the shift knob to the top.

I'm glad to see someone has these. They haven't been in the U.S. for years... but maybe now....

The extension I made looks more "stock" than the dressed up appearance of the Speedwell part and the extension I made has more of an angle.

[Dan]

I actually meant 3 or 4 inches above the plastic ball bit thingy

I know what you meant, the rubber isolation part is about 6 inches long and starts from roughly 2 inches above the ball. The bend will have to be quite far up the stick.

The extension fits to the top.

You wanted to know how the stick is removed, it's very simple. There is a bayonet mounted cap holding it in place. You don't need to get under the car, just lift up the gaiter and twist the cap then it lifts away.

[Grayedout]

You mean like this ?



Just used a vice and maybe a bit of heat.....can't remember !!