Original Gearshift knob

[David31dlxslant]

How can I tell the difference between an original versus a reproduction gear shift ball? I've got an early 31 slant 4 door, trying to go original on as much as I can. There's some on eBay claiming to be original but who knows? Thanks and if someone on here has a nice original then I'll buy it from you, thanks

[wrndln]

On many original knobs, there is a metal hex insert for the with threads to install on the lever. Maybe some repro knobs also have this, but most don't.
Rusty

[160B]

RG&JS AREA 6 Instrument & Controls page 6-7 Revised 2011

All gear shift lever balls were black and were made of "Fordite", a hard Bakelite type material. A round ball with a 1 / 4" wide raised horizontal band around the center was designed for the Model A, but was replaced by a mushroom shaped ball (to save weight) by November 1927. The mushroom shaped ball was used from the beginning of production through April 1928. The round ball was reinstated in April 1928 and was used until the end of production. A hex-shaped threaded metal insert was molded into the gear shift lever ball to lessen the possibility of stripping the threads in the ball. From January to November 1930 all gear shift balls were produced without the metal insert.



Gear shift balls (left to right); Mushroom type, Round type without steel insert, Round type with steel insert, Commercial type with 4 speed transmission

[wrndln]

160B,
You sure know your shift knobs! Quite a collection.
Rusty Nelson

[160B]

Originally Posted by wrndln

160B,
You sure know your shift knobs! Quite a collection.
Rusty Nelson

This information is in the RG&JS!

I do not have a collection.

[CarlG]

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I prefer the 4th style shown, commercial type. I guess since my first Model A was an AA, but all mine have had that style since.

[Purdy Swoft]

I run the purty glass candy striped knobs on most of mine but have original knobs in a can on the shelf. I've got the 4th style on my AA project. it has a larger thread insert .

[David31dlxslant]

Wow, thanks for all the help, so if I'm reading what 160B said, the correct round ball for my early 160B slant would be the ball with the hex insert right? Bc it states that the ball without the hex was used from jan to November 1930 so I would assume the hex insert would be correct for mine?

[John Duden]

Originally Posted by David31dlxslant

Wow, thanks for all the help, so if I'm reading what 160B said, the correct round ball for my early 160B slant would be the ball with the hex insert right? Bc it states that the ball without the hex was used from jan to November 1930 so I would assume the hex insert would be correct for mine?

If you need an original shift ball, i have 2, and an early mushroom ball. Pm me if you are interested
John

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by Purdy Swoft

I run the purty glass candy striped knobs on most of mine but have original knobs in a can on the shelf. I've got the 4th style on my AA project. it has a larger thread insert .

To use the 4th style on an "A" shift lever, just run a 5/16-24 Helicoil insert in the knob. It already has the correct threads for the insert.

[RUNNERBUN]

Here is a picture of the ultra rare mushroom type for the one forward and three reverse gears transmission. (only to be used when you assemble the Crown wheel on the wrong side of the pinion.) Yes, I have done that and my friends donated this knob so I will never forget the occasion. (I use the term friends very loosely)
Certainly not something you forget in a hurry.

[Tudortomnz]

The no. 4 Commercial ball was commonly used on Canadian cars, at least on Export ones like we got. My late '29 has one , no metal thread insert, but the round ball type & mushroom one are found on earlier cars.
The bigger commercial one can be clearly seen in RHD control pictures in the original export handbooks, 1929 & '30.

[jhowes]

I have one that is drk brown instead of black. Round with insert and proper thread. Anyone know anything about this?

[jhowes]

Forever 4 thanks, i knew that someone on here had the answer. Mine appears to be a 35 or 36 delux knob.

[plind]

Originally Posted by 160B

RG&JS AREA 6 Instrument & Controls page 6-7 Revised 2011

All gear shift lever balls were black and were made of "Fordite", a hard Bakelite type material. A round ball with a 1 / 4" wide raised horizontal band around the center was designed for the Model A, but was replaced by a mushroom shaped ball (to save weight) by November 1927. The mushroom shaped ball was used from the beginning of production through April 1928. The round ball was reinstated in April 1928 and was used until the end of production. A hex-shaped threaded metal insert was molded into the gear shift lever ball to lessen the possibility of stripping the threads in the ball. From January to November 1930 all gear shift balls were produced without the metal insert.



Gear shift balls (left to right); Mushroom type, Round type without steel insert, Round type with steel insert, Commercial type with 4 speed transmission

Hi ...
If you take the 1. (Mushroom) and put in on the 2 place. And 2 back on the place for Mushroom.. It will be correct, Mushroom was second style shift ball....

[ModAfan]

"The mushroom shaped ball was used from the beginning of production through April 1928."

The mushroom shaped knob in the photo is from my May 22, 1928, Tudor.

[plind]

Originally Posted by ModAfan

"The mushroom shaped ball was used from the beginning of production through April 1928."

The mushroom shaped knob in the photo is from my May 22, 1928, Tudor.

Hi..
Im sorry to say this, but Mushroom was NOT 1. Style...

[updraught]

Our 1930 models RHD had a two piece hollow knob.

I gather this was a Canadian thing?

[Synchro909]

Updraught, I like your avatar of Phryne Fisher. Did you have a car in the series?
To our American friends, if you google "Phryne Fisher", you'll see that it is a TV series made by the ABC - that is, the "Australian Broadcasting Commission". A very popular locally made series over here. For the ladies - fantastic costumes.
http://www.abc.net.au/tv/programs/mi...der-mysteries/

[updraught]

"Did you have a car in the series?"
No. Can't go far wrong with a show where the main character drives a Hispano-Suiza