Fitting options for Shift Knobs

[Richard Fritz]

I picked up one of those vintage AMCO Shift knobs but the threads are wrong for my shift lever. I'm looking at EZ-LOK threaded inserts to adapt the knob to the shifter. Any other ideas out there to make it fit? Thanks

 

[puff4]

What is the issue? Is the hole in the knob too big or small? Or are the threads just not correct?

 

[Richard Fritz]

The hole in the knob is too big. Thread of shift lever is 5/16 - 24. Thread of shift knob is 1/2 - 20. EZ-Locs don't come with an internal 5/16 - 24 thread, and external 1/2 - 20 thread. The closest they come is a 1/2 - 13 external thread.

 

[puff4]

Easy enough to make a conversion bush on a lathe out of a 1/2-20 bolt, no?

 

[Richard Fritz]

Easy enough if you have a lathe and the ability to tap a 5/16-24 thread down the middle of the bolt.

 

[Richard Fritz]

It was suggested to rethread the 1/2-20 threaded hole in the knob with a 1/2-13 tap, and then use the EZ-Loc 1/2-13 threaded adapter. I'm thinking that will really confuse thread lines and may strip easily.

 

[belmateo]

Cost effective fix.

 

[Richard Fritz]

Thanks for the M/T knob with adapters photo. That's what I'm looking for, however I have not been able to locate any adapters with a 1/2-20 external, and 5/16-24 internal threads on the web, at Grainger or Fastenall. I'm beginning to think I'll have to find a metal shop that can make an adapter from a 1/2-20 bolt or threaded rod. I appreciate your information though. Rich

 

[gatkeper1]

You can do this in a drill press. 1/2x20 threaded rod cut to length. drill and tap for 5/16x24 Eazee peazee if you have a tap , drill press and drill press vise

 

[Richard Fritz]

You can do this in a drill press. 1/2x20 threaded rod cut to length. drill and tap for 5/16x24 Eazee peazee if you have a tap , drill press and drill press vise

That is what I'm going to do. Right now, I'm checking with my neighbors to see who has the tools to do it. I have the taps and I know a neighbor with a drill press. A piece of threaded rod is inexpensive and should provide enough materials until we get it right. Thanks for your response. Rich

 

[belmateo]

Have you considered a thread insert?
They are compact and strong.

 

[gatkeper1]

That is what I'm going to do. Right now, I'm checking with my neighbors to see who has the tools to do it. I have the taps and I know a neighbor with a drill press. A piece of threaded rod is inexpensive and should provide enough materials until we get it right. Thanks for your response. Rich

15 minutes on the drill press start to finish . All I had was a 1/2x13 bolt. 5/32 drill bit followed by a 9/32 then the 5/16x24 tap. Cut to length then done

 

[belmateo]

Good Job!

 

[Richard Fritz]

15 minutes on the drill press start to finish . All I had was a 1/2x13 bolt. 5/32 drill bit followed by a 9/32 then the 5/16x24 tap. Cut to length then done

Too bad you didn't start with a 1/2-20 bolt. I would have bought the finished insert from you. Looks good and not to difficult to do. Thanks

 

[Toyanvil]

I can make you one on my lathe, how long do you need it?

 

[Richard Fritz]

I can make you one on my lathe, how long do you need it?

That's a very kind offer, and one that's hard to refuse. So, I accept your offer to cut an adapter for me and I would be more than willing to compensate you for this effort. Please contact me via email at wizzzbangmotors@gmail.com to get my mailing address.
The size of the adapter needs to be one-half to three quarters inches long with 1/2-20 external threads and 5/16-24 internal threads.
Thank you, I am in your debt. Sunbeam people are great!
Rich

 

[Toyanvil]

All done.

 

[Richard Fritz]

Wow! That was fast and it looks amazing. You must have had a career as a machinist. When you know what you're doing and have the tools to do it, anything is possible.
Thank you...
Rich

 

[gatkeper1]

All done.

Very nice. I have to get my little Dunlap lathe up and running one of these days

 

[Toyanvil]

Thank you, just a home hobbyist. I think a little Loctite and you will be good.