Removing shift knob

[DavidMn]

Greetings,
For an 85 911 3.2…

I have read posts on how to use force to pry off shift knob, especially using open end wrench to create leverage. Unfortunately, it seems that shift boot is somehow connected to bottom of knob (see picture).

Questions:
1. Do I simply try and force boot down to give me working room?
2. Is it necessary to remove if I want to take the console off?

Much appreciated, I don’t want to break things if not needed for a simple bushing replacement project.

[DavidMn]

Also, how do I reach the center console screw without damaging carpet?

Much appreciated.

[Matthew_VA]

I have an '84 and I did not have to remove the rubber shift sleeve/boot to remove the center console. I just lifted it over the shifter. However, you have to be careful because of the A/C control and wiring-there is not a lot of play... If the leather boot isn't directly attached to the console (I don't believe it is) then should be able to do the same.

On the rear CC screw, I made a very small insicision in the carpet to get access to the screw. Have black carpet so can't see it at all. On my '83 I was able to access it by pushing the carpet back but it did take a little finagling.

[DavidMn]

Much appreciated

[GH85Carrera]

I did that recently. I too have the leather gator over the rubber boot.

I tried in the past leaving the shifter in the car and hammered with a open end wrench with no budging the knob. I removed the shifter mechanism which is a real pain on my 85 with a center console with the center lock, and AC controls in place.

I finally got the shifter off, and put it in my vice, upside down so I had full access to the knob. I moved the leather shift boot down, and tried a large mallet with the wrench on the knob and hammered on the wrench. Zip nada, nothing.

I got out my air hammer, and used that to make dents on the side of my open end wrench and still nothing. I finally decided it was not coming off undamaged. I went after the knob with the air hammer and destroyed it, but the metal sleeve remained behind. That was another chore to remove.

I wanted to remove the knob to remove the leather gator to fix some were spots on the leather. I got that done, and it looks a lot better.

I had a new shift knob on hand and had to install that. I used one from Dave Mason that is wood and looks like the 917 knob. It is held in place with two set screws.



I did install the improved shift bushing "while I was in there" and I like the results.


You can see the worn spots on the gator. I had to fight with that bushing to get it off.


All back together except putting the floor mats back in.

[DavidMn]

Matthew, did you have to disconnect handbrake or just keep finagling?

[DavidMn]

Nevermind, got it out. I eagerly await trying to put it back in place later. Thanks for the help

[DavidMn]

The center console.
Was having difficulty figuring out how to get it out. Also, thankful to the help here since I did not have to take off shift knob.

[DavidMn]

Another question, does the shift rod bushing bracket sit totally inside the tunnel or is the top part outside the tunnel.

I could have sworn that mine was totally inside the tunnel, but now am doubting myself. I have found conflicting info on this when searching the forum.

[DavidMn]

Put it on top of tunnel. Everything is back together. Car shifts really nicely now.