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In rehabbing a "new" shift lever, I had to remove the knob as it was pretty well trashed. Try as I might with penetrating oil, it just would not unscrew. Not being the patient type, I proceeded to cut it off. I was somewhat surprized to see the wood core, it reminded me of a Tootsie Pop, softer center with a hard shell around it. Below is a pic of the cross section for any of you curious types. The blue is paint from the saw blade.

American Ingenuity!
Are you going to thread another on the end or replace the entire shift rod?

Hi Guys,

This summer I tried to take off the gearshift handle on my M.......it was rusted stuck but split in two at the parting line on the side. It was totally hollow inside. I fully expected it to be solid rubber/plastic.

regards,
bob

m-37Bruce wrote:American Ingenuity!
Are you going to thread another on the end or replace the entire shift rod?

The shift lever I have now is a replacement for the one that snapped last week. The lever is all wire-wheeled, primed and painted and I got a new knob to put on it as the old one looked beat up. The shift lever that broke is out being welded, shouldn't need a new knob but if it does, I'll probably have to cut the old one off too. As the B1 (long) shifters are getting harder to find, I'll probably hang onto the welded one for a spare.

Ive been collecting M-37 parts for a long time and I have not seen too many B1 shifters.

Bill L had a few, I think he just offered up his last one here on da forum?

While not authentic for the pre-B1 series trucks if you are doing a proper restoration, they are appropriate for any Vietnam era presentation and thus appropriate for my truck. Beyond that, the longer B1 shifter is much easier to use when driving. At 6'-1" I really have to reach for the "short" shifter but the B1 is right there which makes things more comfortable.

Hi Guys,

I found that pic of my M shifter handle.

regards,
bob


DSC03712 by w30bob