Shift Knob removal

[N*Caddy]

Hello everybody,

Two days ago I changed the shift knob on my ’97 STS as the old one was worn-out. This one I found it on E-bay for around 80 dollars (+ shipping).
The process of changing the shift knob is pretty simple, with the right tool shouldn’t take more than 2 mins.
For me “the right tool” was a set of long-nose pliers (but a flat-head screwdriver or even a knife could be an option). The only thing that hold the knob in place is a “U” shape clip that can be accessed in front of the knob (just bellow the shift button).
Shift the car in the 1-st (for a better access) stick the sharp tool behind the “U” shape clip and pull it out, then the knob will come out very easily.

[Krashed989]

Great post!

I think this should be in the tech tips section.

[dp102288]

Excellent post! I was waiting for a good diagram before I started ripping up my shifter! Thanks much man!

[Ur7x]

Yes, very nice post...

Keep in mind though that this only works on Seville shifters up to (and including) 1997... In 1998 and newer GM changed the design... On newer SLS & STS, GM move the clip "inside" the shifter... it is a internal split ring spring.

To remove these knobs... gently wiggle the knob back and forth while you pull straight up with all of your strength... clean the shaft with WD40 before you reinstall it and it will come off a little easier next time.

BTW the little Horseshoe clip has been used on GM shifters back to the early 70's... Unlike the Sevilles, I think the Eldos used the horseshoe clip until they were retired in 2002.

[dp102288]

My 95 has the clip on the outside.

So for 98 and up SLS & STS you wiggle and pull hard? I am going to try that.

[Ur7x]

Originally Posted by dp102288

So for 98 and up SLS & STS you wiggle and pull hard?

The first time you remove it you have to pull REALLY REALLY hard

[mrman88]

Yeah I thought I was going to break something...the only thing that was hurt was my hand though when it hit the roof once it came off. haha

[iametarq]

Originally Posted by mrman88

Yeah I thought I was going to break something...the only thing that was hurt was my hand though when it hit the roof once it came off. haha

that was my experience as well. Glad I didn't have my face over that thing when it finally released.

[dp102288]

^^ That's what I thought would happen...note to self, keep face far away.

[mythy]

This needs to be in a how to data base or tip forum! Mine however is a (* and I have the U shaped clip it is said that 98's don't

[Southbay1955]

Just changed my Seville's shifter knob, I went to Pick Your Part and it only costed me 4 bucks! And its a simple job to change pull the clip out on the front of the shifter as you said and you definitely have to pull up a bit, because it's tight. Thanks for the tip on changing it.

[Playdrv4me]

*PULL HARD*, and yea, dont hit yourself in the face.

[N*Caddy]

Last night I spent over 4 hour cutting and sewing and stretching and finally the result is excellent:

This is my original shifter knob; the one I removed in the first place about 2 years ago, and the reason I started this thread. If is possible to restore, yes definitely as you can see, does it worth…well the replacement was ~$75 plus S&H (all in all probably little over $100). I don’t think worth as a business is too much work. At least now I have two…
All you need is about ½ sqr foot of leather, ~2 ft of No. 10 3 ply nylon thread and a little contact cement. Cut the leather using the old one as a template (including the holes for the thread). Apply some contact cement in the area surrounding the button and put some folded paper between the button and the leather (all around) to keep the leather in position for the contact cement to dry. Then using two needles and a lot of patience sew the leather in a cross pattern stitching (same as the baseball).
At the end use some contact cement to hold the leather folded inwards on the base of the knob. That’s it!

[Cleaner1974]

damn N* is there a skill you don't have...sewing too. Looks great!