Stick Shift Issue (the stick itself)
 

Good morning I am wondering if someone can give me an idea of the extent of this problem with the stick shift of my 86 targa. i don't even know if i can fully describe the problem but please see below.

the transmission shifts and the car drives. there are no grinding noises or knocks. i have also put it in reverse and had backed out of the garage this morning (which is when i first noticed the problem)

problem: the stick (not only the knob) can be twisted left or right -- in neutral or in gear). i have twisted it to the point of the leather dust boot cover being completely twisted/wrung to the left. i have put it in 5th and twisted the stick to the point where the knob was pointing towards the passenger door instead of -- normally -- to the rear.

wild guess is i lost a retaining pin.

asking for advice from the many experienced "do-it-yourselfers" and pros in this forum on how extensive or small this issue is. i live in las vegas. there is a shop 2 miles from the house. he is ase certified but rather expensive. the nearest porsche repair shop is about ten miles or so and i'd have to drive the car on the interstate to get to it (should i even drive this car in this condition?).

thanks/remigio//
86 targa
81 pininfarina

Very common problem, and relatively easy to fix. The epoxy that bonds the stick to the
lower shift ball has let go.
Go here and read all about how to fix it:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/693115-resolving-shift-lever-swivel.html

I just epoxied mine in place a few weeks ago. I thought I was being very non-correct, neat to know it was epoxied in the first place.

Not too tough a job at all, I think I did it in about an hour, with a break in between to let the epoxy dry.

What brand of epoxy did you use or recommend?
Thanks

I have been using an "industrial duty" epoxy made by Hysol for the last 30yrs or so.
Nothing better, beats the hell out of JB Weld.
I used this product when my shift stick came loose.
Hysol sold this product line to Locktite Corp some years ago. It used to only be available at industrial supply outlets, but now Amazon offers it.(don't they offer everything now!)
Locktite 1C Hysol :
Loctite 1C Hysol Epoxy Adhesive; EPK 4OZ [PRICE is per EACH] - Amazon.com

PROBLED SOLVED!!. THANKS, uwanna. Unfortunately, i went in before your post on hysol. Used JB coldweld. we'll see how far it goes. if i go back in, i'll try Hysol.

remigio
86 targa
81 pininfarina

I epoxied mine back in place then tack welded it on two sides.

Good job! You might want to order a Hysol kit, just to have it on hand for any around the house or car fixes. It is the best epoxy made, period!
I worked for IBM corp for 30yrs and we had an IBM part number for Hysol. We used it to repair wallowed out bearing races among many other fixes on our biggest machines.
As well as 1C (which is white), they also have 11C Hysol which is black and is MACHINEABLE, albeit, it is harder to find.

I recommend the above method. The epoxy connection ensures the lever is aligned correctly (tab on lever aligns with 5th/rev. tabs on carrier plate). The tack welds ensure the epoxy is permanent. :-)

If on the bench, one can skip the epoxy and go directly to tack welds given proper surface prep (clean, bare metal).

Sherwood
seinesystems.com