The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Interiors Shifter knob size

I need a shifter knob for my 58 gmc 1/2ton truck. Mine is missing and the threads are beat up/stripped. What size thread wise should I look for; and also so I can use a die.

Thanks

4 speed floor shift?
If so 3/8-24

3onthetree shifter

Danny,

Here is a link to Classic Industries. Listed a shift knob for a 55-59, shift knob. https://www.classicindustries.com/shop/search/?q=cx1121

Rugo

there are no threads on the column shift lever, the knob is a press fit .... the Chevy knob is available repro, although it may be slightly different than the GMC

Bill

Bill,

I wondered about that. wasn't sure if by 58, they had threaded the shift lever. I have a 53 Chevrolet 3100. I replaced my 3 speed shift knob. It just a had splines running parallel with the shift lever. Mine was a NOS shift knob. I actually had to drill it out slightly, in order for it to slide onto the splined end of the lever. For the last 1/4 inch, I had to wrap the knob with a rag and tap on it with a small rubber hammer. Hope this information with help you.

Rugo

I have a 51 3100 with a three speed on column. The shift knob is broken and only the piece below the tip of the shifter remains, and it is jagged.
I ordered a new repro knob, but can anyone tell me how to get that old piece off? I have tried twisting and pulling it, but it does not budge.

It’s a press fit with splines so it won’t turn. Take a hacksaw and cut it in the same direction as the shifter shaft, then take a screwdriver and pry it apart. It may shatter so place a rag over it before prying to protect you eyes. Oh, and don’t forget to wear your “Safety glasses”!

Thanks Phak1.
Appreciate the information.

You could go "old school" and thread a cue ball or an 8 ball! A cut glass antique door knob looks good, too!
Jerry

When I was in high school, I got a Pabst Breweries shift knob...I traded a cheap shift knob that looked like a piston for it. The Pabst knob ended up on a Jeep my father drove and stayed with it when he sold it. Neat looking thing but the inset part rattled constantly.

Phak1

That worked perfectly. Thank you. I love these forums!

Haha Thanks Jerry, but I think I'll stick to the reproduction of the original

Phak1

That worked perfectly. Thank you. I love these forums!

Your welcome! Glad to help.

I had a custom 74 Chevy van that I cut the column shifter, threaded the shaft and screwed on a Miller Lite draft beer tap handle on!

Custom shift knobs on a manual column shifter has to be done right to make it flow smooth.
Automatics is nothing more than a cosmetic change and works great.

Phil, don’t tell me you went to Truck-Ins back in the 70’s also?
If you have, young folks would not believe the stories you could tell.

Don

Guilty as charged! I belonged to a van club in the late 70’s and we traveled from Englishtown NJ to Watkins Glen NY and everywhere in between.

Phil, we need to take the van talk to a PM. Or I will be charged with stealing a topic.
Better yet, let's start a thread in the spoon about the old vanning days.

Back on topic.
For a four speed on the floor, I like Jerry's idea for shifting.
Something round and fits in you hand for smooth shifting.

Don

1970's, hippies, wacky weed, and Chevy vans- - - - -some people wouldn't be alive without them!




Jerry

I lived that song many times over!
But, just remember, I did not steal this thread!

Don

Got my first Stovebolt in 1969. We went on many trips - some I remember . . . some I won't post the details (like a "trip" to see the Grateful Dead in Atlanta).

That 1948 3105 Panel Truck was rotting away when I bought it for under $100. The driver's side-door window was cracked and I had no money to replace it - guess how I passed the semi-annual VA state vehicle inspections?

If this is too off-topic - please delete.

Don’t make me get the bouncers! Take it to the Greasy Spoon! 😁

Thread started in the Spoon!
Jump in if your dare.
Don

Thanks Don for moving this discussion AND stealing another thread!

Chris

I was mentored by our Grand Pooh Bear!

Don