Shift Knobs

[Furley11]

Two of my shifters has threads, the main doesn't. I suppose someone swapped in civy version shafts with the threaded ones. Has anyone cut threads onto a push-on knob? I would prefer to have them all threaded. I have the die to do it, but I haven't ever cut a tapered shaft. Would I need to use a coring bit to get rid of the taper, or will the die take care of it?
_________________
Furley
1951 M38
Amateur Tinkerer
http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=album503&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

[45auto]

What's wrong with the original push on knob?? They are ready available, inexpensive and if you can resist twisting the knob while you are driving, they work great. If you are worrying with an old knob, a new knob will be tight and last for years. Once it been on there a while, it takes more effort to get it off than you would think.

To use a screw on knob, the taper is a problem--I have seen others saw off the lever and weld on a bolt of the proper size to thread a knob to. Have the knob you want to use along with a bolt that fits it and saw the lever off the length of the bolt and weld it onto the lever.
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Harold W.
MVPA #6833
1945 GPW
1950 CJV-35/U
1951 M38 1952 M38
1962 USMC Contract M38A1
1953 Strick M100 1967 Johnson M416
1968 CJ5 4-Speed 1969 CJ5 V6

[4x4M38]

Furley,
A bolt thread is not tapered like a pipe thread. It is only tapered
at the end to enable starting the thread easier.

You can easily turn down the end of the shaft to the required OD
for 5/16 NF with something as simple as a good file. Taper the end
to help start the die, then the rest is a straight rod.

I'd recommend you buy a knob and confirm the threads, then measure
the depth and only file the length just a little more than you need. No point
in making more work than necessary!

Harold, maybe he wants to screw on one of those hand grenade shifter
handles... (hee-hee!)
_________________
Brian
1950 M38
MC11481
http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=album372&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

[oilleaker1]

I've used a die on three shifters, Just take your time, cut a little and back off. It works fine and you only need about 1/2 inch of threads. I absolutley hate the push on knobs. They slip, fall off, and cause me grief. A new push on, (I have two) had to be drilled out to get them on. They currently are tight, but the other original knobs were not. CJ3A also uses the push on, so does a Willys pickup. One note, the new aftermarket knobs with the metal insert transmit more noise. More transmission rattle. The feel of a screw on is much more positive to me. To each his own. One thing, even if you thread it, you can always push on another non threaded type if you don't like it. John