Automatic Shifter Ball Threading?

[D_B]

I am working on the possibility of making a unique shifter ball for my automatic transmission shifter. I have not decided how I want it to look, or even the material or shape...but I know that the threading needs to be specific to the shaft, and the recess of the button needs to be accurate. Those things I can measure easily but I haven't tackled the thread size and pitch yet.

Does anyone know what that threading is?

Initially I am leaning towards an aluminum ball maybe with a ring of button head screws or rivets around the top, spaced a little out from the button.

No worries, I do not plan on a shifter ball full of colored LEDs like you find at Autozone.

I'm also keeping my eyes open for something unique that can be adapted into a shift ball. Making it different and an instant conversation piece.

[graphicjunki]

how about a white que ball or similar with this painted on it?



THAT would start some conversations!

[wan2run]

Originally Posted by graphicjunki

how about a white que ball

I did this with an 8-ball and helicoil on one of my past cars.

[D_B]

I'm wanting to make something sleek and classy. The 8 Ball trick is fun but not really for my kind of car.

I'm leaning towards brushed aluminum, maybe a subtle finned design, and possibly the mentioned buttons or rivets.

The threading on the stock shifter shaft is rather large and I don't have a tool to measure it. I was just hoping someone had that info handy.

[wan2run]

Originally Posted by D_B

I'm wanting to make something sleek and classy. The 8 Ball trick is fun but not really for my kind of car.

I'm leaning towards brushed aluminum, maybe a subtle finned design, and possibly the mentioned buttons or rivets.

The threading on the stock shifter shaft is rather large and I don't have a tool to measure it. I was just hoping someone had that info handy.

I did it about 20 years ago, by now it's played out for sure. I believe the threads are 5/8-18.

[D_B]

Originally Posted by wan2run

I did it about 20 years ago, by now it's played out for sure. I believe the threads are 5/8-18.

Thank you, that's what I was looking for.

(20 years ago I was 13. LOL.)

[wan2run]

Originally Posted by D_B

Thank you, that's what I was looking for.

(20 years ago I was 13. LOL.)

I was 17.

[crossfire198]

5/8-18 is correct and the push button shaft is 1/4-20

[D_B]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I think I have a good idea about what I am going to do.

The other idea I had, which I searched for but haven't found...is to shorten my automatic shifter by an inch. I measured in every position and as long as I stay at an inch or less the ball won't ever hit the shifter plate when it's in 'P'.

Seems fairly easy. Measure and mark for my cut. I'll use a pipe cutter for the shifter, and then thread that to 5/8-18. Then I'll measure and use a Dremel cutoff on the gate lock rod, and thread it 1/4-20.

I still have to change the gate itself from putting in the TH200 automatic transmission, so I may take everything apart when I order a new gate and shorten everything then.

[Metalkid]

Speaking of the Shifter Ball,

What is this "plastic" supposed to simulate?

I'm assuming that GM's intent was "a fine hardwood", but mine just looks like a poorly painted plastic ball, my wife's 1970 version is not much better.

Perhaps it was just the state of the art in plastics in the 70's....


I'd like to replace it with a nice polished stainless sphere someday, ......then again I'll probably eliminate it entirely with a T-56!

[D_B]

Originally Posted by Metalkid

Speaking of the Shifter Ball,

What is this "plastic" supposed to simulate?

I'm assuming that GM's intent was "a fine hardwood", but mine just looks like a poorly painted plastic ball, my wife's 1970 version is not much better.

Perhaps it was just the state of the art in plastics in the 70's....


I'd like to replace it with a nice polished stainless sphere someday, ......then again I'll probably eliminate it entirely with a T-56!

Update on this. I am currently working with someone, who is helping me cut an exact replica of the stock shifter ball, but out of aluminum. It'll end up with a nice brushed finish.

Once I order the gate for a TH200R4 I'll pull it all apart, and shorten the shifter at the same time. Obviously I'll post before and after pics, and show everyone what it looks like with both the stock ball and aluminum ball on the shortened shifter tube.

[heavy]

I remember seeing an SSR with a shift knob that looked just like my black shift knob but polished or chrome. I'm not sure if it has the correct threads. It might be a little cheaper.

[Metalkid]

Originally Posted by D_B

Update on this. I am currently working with someone, who is helping me cut an exact replica of the stock shifter ball, but out of aluminum. It'll end up with a nice brushed finish.

Once I order the gate for a TH200R4 I'll pull it all apart, and shorten the shifter at the same time. Obviously I'll post before and after pics, and show everyone what it looks like with both the stock ball and aluminum ball on the shortened shifter tube.

Looking forward to that!!!

(Oh, and info on how we can order one!)

[D_B]

Originally Posted by heavy

I remember seeing an SSR with a shift knob that looked just like my black shift knob but polished or chrome. I'm not sure if it has the correct threads. It might be a little cheaper.

I believe, if that's an SSR, that's not it's stock shift setup.

Actually, it looks like a C3 shifter assembly, complete with a silver painted stock ball.

The after market SSR shift knobs have a throat at the bottom, and don't seem to be drilled for a top button.

[bojvette]

to add to the 20 years ago talk before ***


I was 53 and

and hope you find some kind of better shifter knob then the ones we have *would like to change mine *