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MG MGB Technical - Gearshift Knob Twist

This is a small problem, but the gearshift knob on my 1980 MGB is twisted 90 degrees clockwise from where it should be. It has an overdrive switch built into the top of it. It doesn't want to twist at all by hand, even when I loosen it's seating cone. I'm afraid of breaking the little guy. If anyone has ever taken one of these apart, their advice would be greatly appreciated!
Tony P

Probably no need to disassemble - Slacken the chrome "cone" and twist the knob back straight - pushing down at the same time may help.

It is on a "D" shaped hole to hold it square - I suspect the "D" is worn.

If you need to take it apart - prise off the top cap and withdraw the switch - unhook the two wires and undo the retaining collar inside the knob (use two small screwdrivers either side of it) the knob can then be pulled off - mind the wires.
Chris at Octarine Services

Tony. Replace the shifter with a good used one. E-mail me off line if you cannot fine one locally and I will give you the name of a friend who can supply one. The early style gear shifts were a one piece unit. The later style, such as you have, are a three piece unit comprised of a lower section and an upper section with a rubber piece bonding the two sections together. Do not know if this was done to reduce vibration on the OD switch/wires or was simply a Triumph part "standardized" for use with the Triumph derived gear knob and OD switch. But, your basic problem is that the rubber is old, no longer bonds the parts together properly and will continue to get worse rather than better. Hence, my recommendation for getting a good used replacement. In the mean time, remove the four cross point screws holding on the boot over the shifter and see if you can rotate the upper portion back into the proper relationship using a pair of Channel-Lock (waterpump pliers) or Vice-Grips (Molegrips). Have this problem with one of my cars, but have not had time to pick up a spare shifter to section it and see if there is any chance of the upper portion lifting off the lower portion. Had this happen with a Fiat 124 that I once owned. Very exciting on the Autobahn. Les
Les Bengtson

This thread was discussed on 23/07/2002

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