coW52Dodge Posted June 30, 2011 Report Share Posted June 30, 2011 What can be used as a suitable replacement for the shift knob usually on a 52 transmission? It doesn't need to be original vintage but something that looks and feels good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maverick Posted June 30, 2011 Report Share Posted June 30, 2011 if its a three-speed, ive got the whole shifting arm for sale if you like or i would be willing to just sell the knob. the knob is not in the best condition bit is very usable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coW52Dodge Posted June 30, 2011 Author Report Share Posted June 30, 2011 if its a three-speed, ive got the whole shifting arm for sale if you like or i would be willing to just sell the knob. the knob is not in the best condition bit is very usable. It is a four speed. I have a knob attached on another transmission but can't get it off without very likely breaking it. That sucker is on there. The previous owner may have epoxied it in place, I suspect. You have a PM regarding your knob. (..wait, that inadvertently sounded kinda weird but you know what I mean) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scruffy49 Posted June 30, 2011 Report Share Posted June 30, 2011 My 49 (3 on the floor) had a small plastic cue ball with a nut pounded into a hole drilled in the ball. So old it had yellowed like ivory does. Currently has a cheap maple or birch parts store shift knob with a 50 cent piece epoxied (eagle side up) where the shift pattern sticker would be. Also have a couple cut glass door knobs to make spares out of. I like them, very traditional but kind of over done lately courtesy of rat rod enthusiasts and bobber fanatics. I'd really like a classic (and classy) nude woman shift knob, but all I can find is tacky resin junk. Way overpriced tacky resin junk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave72dt Posted June 30, 2011 Report Share Posted June 30, 2011 I used an old chromed axle nut cover for a shift knob on a different brand truck. Don't know what it originally fit but it looked good where it ended up at. Had a nice feel to it, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tysouthwick Posted July 1, 2011 Report Share Posted July 1, 2011 I pulled mine off of an old studebaker tow truck probably early 40s its a 4 speed it looks and feels good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Young Ed Posted July 1, 2011 Report Share Posted July 1, 2011 Roberts has them and I don't recall them being overly expensive. Might try ford or chevy truck shops too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
50farmtruck Posted July 15, 2011 Report Share Posted July 15, 2011 (edited) I'd say you are only limited to your imagination. This is what I made for now. It's a valve handle from an oxygen cylinder. All I had to to was drill out the center to 3/8" & push in the bottle cap. I'm also working on one that will be made of exotic wood whith a polished brass base for when my truck is finished. That one will be real nice. If anyone else is using a custom shift knob it would be cool to post them here. Bryan Edited July 15, 2011 by 50farmtruck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Young Ed Posted July 15, 2011 Report Share Posted July 15, 2011 Where you able to thread that handle to match the transmission? And if so what kinda thread is it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
50farmtruck Posted July 15, 2011 Report Share Posted July 15, 2011 The threads on mine (4 speed) are 3/8-24 (Fine). I just used a self locking nut to fasten it. That way I could clock it where I thought it looked best. Could have probably threaded it, but the existing hole was about 3/8" square so the corners would have been left unthreaded & I'm not sure that would be strong enough. Although, If you got a handle off of a smaller bottle It may have a smaller hole & wouldn't have that problem. Bryan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
41/53dodges Posted July 16, 2011 Report Share Posted July 16, 2011 found an old 8 horse outboard piston in one of the old test cells at work (evinrude), im workin on that for a shift knob, will post pics when im done! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John-T-53 Posted July 19, 2011 Report Share Posted July 19, 2011 Lokar makes a simple ball knobs w/ pattern inscribed. Theirs come with 3/8"-16 and 24 inserts and locknuts. I used their black know on my 5 speed stick and it looks and feeld great. VPW also sells knobs if you want a more original look. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coW52Dodge Posted July 21, 2011 Author Report Share Posted July 21, 2011 After buying an assortment of larger nuts, come to find out my shifter has 1/2 " - 13 coarse thread thread spun on it. I may drill the insert out of the knob I bought and epoxy the appropriate nut or insert in its place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coW52Dodge Posted July 28, 2011 Author Report Share Posted July 28, 2011 I ended up buying a nice, heavy, solid stainless shift ball off ebay. It has a half inch coarse thread and it works great. It has a nice weighted feel to it now. My shifter has some serious bling now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ggdad1951 Posted July 28, 2011 Report Share Posted July 28, 2011 ahhhhh now I can't seee! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
50farmtruck Posted August 6, 2011 Report Share Posted August 6, 2011 I just finished this today. I'll run this one once I finish the truck. My father in law supplied the wood & I can't remember the name of it. I may do some final polishing to give the wood a bit more sheen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HanksB3B Posted August 6, 2011 Report Share Posted August 6, 2011 That's beautiful! Hank Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
50farmtruck Posted August 6, 2011 Report Share Posted August 6, 2011 Thanks Hank! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coW52Dodge Posted August 7, 2011 Author Report Share Posted August 7, 2011 That's beautiful!Hank +1! That's class! Looks like some sort of Ironwood, maybe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
50farmtruck Posted August 8, 2011 Report Share Posted August 8, 2011 +1! That's class! Looks like some sort of Ironwood, maybe. Thank you very much! Still unsure of the wood. Emailed my father in law about it but haven't heard back yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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