Three-On-The-Tree Shifter Ideas?

I know this has been discussed before and I have searched through the archives, but nothing really grabbed me for what I should use as a shifter handle for a three-on-the-tree transmission. What have you guys used for on the column shifter handles? One idea that I found in another thread is using the handle off a screwdriver.

Thanks!
Tom - Gl***_Packs

 

I like that idea,or maybe a whole long screwdriver.

 

beer tap handles..same as floor shifter.

 

the original handle!

 

I use a de-militarized ma duece (.50 cal) shell. Watch your head when working under the dash.

 

You dont see many knobs, other than factory on three on the tree cars. How about a mid sized crescent wrench welded to a nut theaded on the original shaft. Maybe a old stainless steele meat grinder handle, or a old hand turned bench grinder handle, it would be a good length, and have roller bearings in it. Like a spinner knob sorta.it would kinda look factory.

 

I saw a door knob used on a shifter last weekend.

 

Just a quick question. I've looking into the screwdriver idea and the possibility of machining the same shape out of the same material (cellulose acetate + plasticizer?). Does anyone know if there's a company that sells a block of this material used for screwdriver? I'm looking for sometype of material in a transparent amber color.

Thanks!
Tom - Gl***_Packs

 

What ever you use,,keep the weight the same as the original,,to heavy and you WILL run into problems

 

Thanks for the tip Satanherself! The handle of the screwdriver is a little bit heavier than the current cracked knob on the column shifter, but I think that it's light enough to not pop out of gear. Plus if it is too heavy, I have a nice original shifter I could replace it with.

Thanks!
Tom - Gl***_Packs

 

skateboard wheel

 

"beer tap handles"

I absolutely love that idea. I had always thought of using a screwdriver handle...but your idea is way better.

 

I tried an 8 ball,looked cool but was too heavy.

 

Get the ones that have various spiders & bugs in them.The guy in NY who makes them, does a super job of them. I have one with a big spider in it.It's on top of my 39 trans lever.

 

How 'bout making one about 4-feet long, so that it runs the entire length of the dash. Make it out of light weight aluminum, so it isn't too heavy, and then cap the far end with an Iron Cross, or maybe a skull.

If you're doing it on an open car, like a roadster or something, you could make it long enough to stick out past the door, and cap it with a rear view mirror. Design it so it actually rests on the door when in 3rd gear, so weight isn't as much of a consideration. Your hand would support it in Reverse, 1st and 2nd, right?

I think that'd be a lot cooler than the lame-*** stock shifter handle dressed up with a period-correct colored gl***, plastic or chromed knob. I mean, if you're going to scream for attention, then SCREAM for it!

-Brad

 

I used a broken off pipe wrench, I think it was a 14", it was aluminum too, not very heavy. Off the subject, the shifter in my '27 is going to be the broken off handle of an aluminum pipe wrench, but this one is about 40" long...

 

then you could paint your car flat black with red rims a fit a tractor grill,dont forget the fake bullet holes and spider webs

but seriousley I second the skateboard wheel idea

 

Why not laminate your own out of some lucite either clear and translucent or maybe solid colors and shape it into a nice looking shift knob.
Or do it with different shades of hardwood. Or a solid piece of hardwood or block of plastic.