90 6-spd gearshift knob, how to?

[AIRBUS]

Can someone tip me off as to how you get the "cotter pin" out of the shift lever in order to get the knob off?

Chevrolet calls that ugly anvil-looking thing a cotter pin (wtf?!).

I pulled up on it with a pair of gas pliers but it won't budge.

You can get a screwdriver under it to pry but if you do that you're gonna destroy a $70 knob.

Sure could use some coaching on this one.

Thanks, in advance.

1990 ZF

It's been a few years since I've had to remove mine but if memory serves me you just need bigger pliers. You might try a shot of WD40 or some other spray lubricant to help. I'm assuming of course that your pin is the same as the one in my 4+3 shifter knob.


Len

[LT4man]

This is what I do:

Get a large pair of vise grips. Grab the wedge tightly. Pull straight up.

Takes some doing, but eventually will come out.

Just don't let it hit you in the forehead!

Save The Wave!

[JEFNLSA]

Firsthand from the ZF Doc:

Pull the top off, stand w/ one foot on each sill, lock onto it w/ a good pair of vise-grips and do the hokey pokey...

Other than the hokey pokey part...that is how he's removes them.

Jeff

[AIRBUS]

Great ideas, guys.

When we return from dinner tonight, I'll go out there and do it.

Will post a howgozit when finished.

Thanks, again.

Enjoy your Vette !!

[Aurora40]

Just an FYI, but once you get it out, I dremelled mine down a little so it fit in less snug. It now pulls out and drops in easily (no need to hammer it in). Just don't make it so loose that the gear knob shifts around.

[AIRBUS]

Well, guys, it came off this morning just like ya'll said it would. I had put my gas pliers on the wide-mouth slot and squeezed the "cotter pin" (can't get over that one) and held it there with a big vice grips. Then took a two lb hammer and bumped it very lovingly a couple times and out it came.

Thanks a WHOLE bunch for your help.

Originally Posted by AIRBUS

Then took a two lb hammer

Never say you took a "hammer" to your vette. It conjurs up some pretty ugly images.........call it an extraction tool..............

Len

[AIRBUS]

Originally Posted by nyernga

Never say you took a "hammer" to your vette. It conjurs up some pretty ugly images.........call it an extraction tool..............

Len

Good advice, Len.

[G Winter]

A handle with a weight on the end which you swing is called a persuader.

Glenn

[AIRBUS]

Originally Posted by G Winter

A handle with a weight on the end which you swing is called a persuader.

Glenn

Alternately known as a Metroliner seat tool.

[davec0_17]

I put some wd40 like stuff on it first, and let it sit a while. Then used some good vise grips on it. Be careful of the glass roof also. Once you get it out, next time is a lot easer.

[AIRBUS]

Originally Posted by davec0_17

I put some wd40 like stuff on it first, and let it sit a while. Then used some good vise grips on it. Be careful of the glass roof also. Once you get it out, next time is a lot easer.

I hear ya.

I actually lowered the top.

[Rogier]

I still have to do mine.... wish me luck.