Changing the Auto Shift knob

[BANDITCAR]

Finally got in my T-bird shift knob and replaced my worn original T-style shift knob.
I thought I would post this here as I know the question of how to get the Auto knob off has come up now and again and I like to do these write ups with pics to help people out.

First step in the process is to remove the original shift knob which is quite easy. Just had to pull up on the e-brake and turn the key to the "on" position. Depress the brake pedel and put the shifter into 1st. Putting it all the way back will give you lots of room to see what you are doing.
There is a staple holding the shift knob to the lever and all I had to do was use a flat head screwdriver to pull it out.


Once the staple was pulled free, just pull up on the shift knob while twisting it just a tad to help loosen it.
Here is the shift lever exposed. The white shaft is the actuator for the shift lever release. Also note how the shift lever itself is notched to allow the guides inside the shift knob to sit a certain side.


Here is a comparison pic of the two shift knobs. The T-bird knob is a bit taller so it is optional to trim down the shift lever to help it to sit lower. I did not trim the lever since I do plan on getting a shift boot at some time. (Of course, you can use any auto shift knob you want. Many prefer getting an MBA knob w/tail and the auto adapter.)


Shift knob before placing on shift lever. In the T-bird the button faces forward, but due to the notches on the Trans Am shift lever it only allows it to sit with the button to the side. Still functional and I quite like the look.


Placed the cap onto the shift lever first and then brought the shift lever down and tried to tighten down the screws. Well, the screws would not go all the way in due to the length of the screws.


So I decided for the quick fix and just wrapped some thread tape around the area under the notches in the lever.


Then just pushed the knob down slowly over the thread tape for a secure fit and pushed the end cap up to the knob. So that is that. EDIT: The thread tape loosened in the summer heat so I finally found a set screw that would work. I trimmed its lenght down so it would set up against the lever at its tightest point. It's held on quite well now with just one screw.


Love the way it looks and I'm glad I was able to get it wrapped in leather to more fit with my interior.

[Y2KPewterSS]

Good write up. If you can get the pics to working, I will include this thread in the museum sticky

[BANDITCAR]

Its weird...the pics work, then they don't

i'll have to host them on my personal hosting site.

That way they will not have a problem.

[Y2KPewterSS]

Its weird...the pics work, then they don't

i'll have to host them on my personal hosting site.

That way they will not have a problem.

Imageshack is always having that problem. Thanks for rehosting them though

[BANDITCAR]

pics are fixed

[Y2KPewterSS]

Added to sticky, thanks for the detailed write up

[28Marcos]

would the position of the knob change if you had a camaro shifter? because the button on mine is on the top not the side or would you have to use another type of knob? Does that make sense?

[BANDITCAR]

Doesn't really matter where the button on the knob is. They all work the same by pushing down on the white plastic release actuator.

Your shift lever (the black metal part surrrounding the white release) should be the same with the notches on it on the North and South sides. Positioning of any knob will depend on the knob itself and where they have placed the tabs on the inside of the knob for alignment.

[28Marcos]

OOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooo

thx

[kebie05]

where can i find diff options of shifters for an a4?

[BANDITCAR]

Its tough finding them on the net. I searched for quite awhile but didn't really come up with anything that stood out or was custom enough.

You can do what I did and just look at a bunch of different cars with and Automatic center console shifter.

I mean, if a Ford knob can work in my T/A, then most anything should.

[greatwhiteZ28]

i cant really reammeber if my ta had the little button for the overdrive on the knob,does it or im i thinking of another car?? if you want to sell the knob pm me

[JoshieDoom]

Would expoxying that button down hurt anything. Id like to put a oldschool hurst t handle on t.

[blindxeyed]

You could have gone with a Grand Prix shifter instead. It's a direct replacement, and the boot fits as well.





Feel free to ignore the horrid sight of the front of the center console lol. I've since replaced the old 2nd gear start with a newer style one with the trim plate, and have replaced the cig lighter as well.

Just throwing out another idea

[JoshieDoom]

Im definately going to use this setup... it looks so much better

[JoshieDoom]

Ordered it! Pics soon. waiting on it to be shipped...

[TransAm11973]

does anyone know of a b&m handle that will fit this application

[BANDITCAR]

You could have gone with a Grand Prix shifter instead. It's a direct replacement, and the boot fits as well.


Feel free to ignore the horrid sight of the front of the center console lol. I've since replaced the old 2nd gear start with a newer style one with the trim plate, and have replaced the cig lighter as well.

Just throwing out another idea

That would be another good option. Is that an overdrive button on the side?

My preference was to have one with prominent leather stitching to really give it a more refined look. I will be getting a boot for it eventually and a lot have said the Grand Prix works great so I will be considering that one.

[BANDITCAR]

does anyone know of a b&m handle that will fit this application

You can do a T-handle shift knob on it, you just need the MBA shift adapter that you can find from the ws6store which will work with any shift knob that has a thread count/pattern of M16 x 1.5

[BANDITCAR]

Ordered it! Pics soon. waiting on it to be shipped...

can't wait to see it!