Not A Happy Camper (Shift Knob Installation)

[scottb]

Last weekend was not one of the highlights of my Porsche ownership. I installed a factory short shift kit and also replaced all of the shifter bushings. In the process, I broke the shift knob (yes, I used the 15mm wrench and mallet technique), and also broke the shift coupler (yes, I supported it with a socket held in my vice, but the pin wouldn't come out and a hard whack broke the coupler).

$150+ to Pelican later (no complaints about Pelican, just p***ed about the self-inflicted wounds), I have a new coupler and a new factory shift knob.

I sure as heck don't want to mar or break my $75 hunk of plastic when I install it (84 Targa). Does anyone have a suggestion or technique for installing the knob "damage free?"

Thanks, guys!

[cab83_750]

Don't feel bad. I had the same dilemna. Tried everything to keep the original. After struggling for 20 minutes, I intentionally crushed the sucker.

I now have a carbon fiber version. Also, I did cut the shifter by about 1-1.5". The old lenght bugged the heck out of me as 2nd gear position was almost (if not rubbing) against the side of my seat.

[Vipergrün]

heck, I tried talking, massaging, coaxing and swearing the shift knob to no avail. Took a hammer and pipe wrench to it. No problem Replaced it with a much nicer Momo leather anotomic knob.

Oh, yeah, you wanted some tips......a bigger pipe wrench works better....DOH!

-Brad
80SC

[Paco Anton]

The same thing just happened to me last week. Now I have also the nice Momo knob (which BTW I like better than the original)

[James_TX]

wow I dont feel so bad. I was trying to get mine off last night... Im so glad my wife talked me out of it. In the midst of my work, she came out to see if she help (she kicks ass like that), she talked me out of it ass I helf a hammer in hand and my eyes were glowing red.

Disaster adverted! As I left the car I looked deep into the knob and utters "I'll be back for you! She saved you this time."