Pelican Parts Forums - Who said changing a shift knob was easy?

Well guys and gals, armed with information gleaned over the past several weeks on this list, I decided that my 1980 911 SC Targa could use some new accessories. I ordered a new Momo shift knob and the matching boot from Pelican along with a few other goodies. I also searched the forum on tips on taking off the console and the boot and finally how to remove the knob. I laid out my power screw driver which loosened the console so that the boot came out from under the console. Too easy, I said to myself. I then laid out the 15mm open end wrench to slip over the shifter rod, the mallet to beat on the knob and started working. Well, now, it ain't that easy to get the knob off if the knob is secured by that crimped metal ring and has been on for the life of the car. l tapped at it with the mallet, tapped some more, swung at the wrench with the mallet and started looking for set screws or pins with no success. By now the bottom of the knob was showing some wear from the 15mm wrench and the shifter was showing signs of paint loss. Still it stayed on! It would rotate but coming off was not in it's plans. I finally decided that the knob was not ever going to look the same and applied heavy swinging action to the mallet and wrench combination. Finally, the mallet swung, the wrench made an upward arc and the knob was airborne. I am telling you to never have your head over the intended arc of the knob when it finally has had enough. Luckily I had changed my normal position which had been mouth open right over the knob so I was spared several hundred dollars of dental work and the knob missed me.
The knob is still usable but a little scarred. The damned retainer still looks like new--the crush ring---and I await the delivery of the new Momo stuff. I have replaced brake pads in the past, have replaced instruments, replaced rear seats, taken out front seats, have replaced stereos and speakers and even replaced door handles inside with all the door panel stuff but this was not a fun job. In Kansas, even though fall is coming, this was hot work, involved more effort than I thought necessary and left me soaked with perspiration. The neighbors learned some new words that are not in my normal vocabulary as an attorney but the knob is off, the console loose, my fingers have no contusions or abrasions and the knob missed my head. Success!!!!

By the way, someone want a knob and crush ring :)

Mel