Help Shifter Handle Removal 69 Swinger

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CL3406

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Hello, I can't seem to get my handle out of my Hurst shifter?? I have tried all the internet tricks, feeler gauge on drivers side, both sides, flooded in WD-40? It seems the feeler gauge butts up against metal very quickly in its travels & beating it in is just costing me feeler gauges. Any ideas?? Do I have it on the correct side of the clip? Thanks.

Shifter Handle.JPG
 
I think you need a feeler gauge on both sides. Put the shifter in a vise and pull HARD. I'm looking for my pics & will post them...
 
Here's the clamps you're trying to depress with the feeler gauge.

Pistol Grip Shifter Clamps.jpg



You can see them starting to release in this picture.

Pistol Grip Shifter Slip In 004 (Small).jpg
 
Ya I tried both sides but they won’t go down inside. Frustrating! Anyway I’ll take whatever pictures you have. Thanks a bunch.
 
Ya I tried both sides but they won’t go down inside. Frustrating! Anyway I’ll take whatever pictures you have. Thanks a bunch.
I saw your pictures from an earlier post. Mine is in there like tighter than a nu$& hoohaw! Can’t get past the clips.
 
How far down did your feeler gauges go? At least an inch to depress the clips?

It wasn't very far. You can see how short the handle end is here. I remember it was a struggle, so don't feel bad that you're having trouble.

Pistol Grip Shifter Slip In 010 (Small).jpg
 
How about getting a hack saw blade, grind the teeth smooth and try it in place of a feeler gage. A hack saw blade is sturdy enough to tap on with a small hammer. I would do one side at a time so there's plenty of room for the blade then once you've broken through then lube good and try the feller gage.

treblig
 
It wasn't very far. You can see how short the handle end is here. I remember it was a struggle, so don't feel bad that you're having trouble.

View attachment 1715202799
Ok thanks for your help. I'll try tonight again with both sides. Looks like I am inserting in the correct side of the clip so that's a positive.
 
How about getting a hack saw blade, grind the teeth smooth and try it in place of a feeler gage. A hack saw blade is sturdy enough to tap on with a small hammer. I would do one side at a time so there's plenty of room for the blade then once you've broken through then lube good and try the feller gage.

treblig
Ok I will try.. Don't you have to release both sides at the same time to get the handle out?
 
Ok I will try.. Don't you have to release both sides at the same time to get the handle out?
That may be true but my goal was to break the clips free and lube good so that the thinner feeler gage can more easily go into both sides at once. Small steps!! Then BIG steps.

treblig
 
You only need the feeler gauge installed on the driver side. The shifter handle does not have a detent on the passenger side.
Your feeler gauge must go in at least 5/8" past the top of the sheet metal shim to depress the tab in the shim.
I have been lucky as mine pulls out with no problem using a .010 feeler gauge. It does beat up the feeler gauge some when doing so
 
Update; In the end the only thing that got the handle moving was good old heat! Just enough to free up 50 years of crud! Thanks for all your suggestions.
 
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20210110_091211.jpg
20210110_091220.jpg
Thread revival.
Started to drill out the handle. Stopped. Checked the ol Abodies. Feeler gauge huh? Driver side aye? ....hmmmm

Wish me luck. Pipe in with any extra info before i ruin my whole set of feelers..... you won't hurt my feelers. Switching over to a dog leg to run a console.

Edit: by the power of Abodies! Success! Stick removed. Just like the thread said... Feeler gauge, driver side....pull hard. (Almost got myself in the kisser)

New hurdle..... still have to drill out shifter to use new handle?
See pic

16102995645021820534162.jpg
 
Last edited:
"still have to drill out shifter to use new handle?"
That would be your option. I rather see people buy a bolt
in handle than to drill two holes in to a push in handle.
 
Ok. I can buy the insert that will slide into the shifter? Great! So you have a favorite source for that? Thanks for the input!
 
Looking around, it seems that i buy the whole shifter to get to the bolt in style. Ya?
 
View attachment 1715667437 View attachment 1715667436 View attachment 1715667437 Thread revival.
Started to drill out the handle. Stopped. Checked the ol Abodies. Feeler gauge huh? Driver side aye? ....hmmmm

Wish me luck. Pipe in with any extra info before i ruin my whole set of feelers..... you won't hurt my feelers. Switching over to a dog leg to run a console.

Edit: by the power of Abodies! Success! Stick removed. Just like the thread said... Feeler gauge, driver side....pull hard. (Almost got myself in the kisser)

New hurdle..... still have to drill out shifter to use new handle?
See pic

View attachment 1715667439
If you do decide to drill out the new shifter handle I have some good advice for you???
 
..and yet another option is to reshape your new handles mounting end, to match the push in you just removed and also drill a new lock hole as well to match the original and slip the new one into lock position using that feeler gauge again so it doesn't lock into the bolt holes prematurely .
 
..and yet another option is to reshape your new handles mounting end, to match the push in you just removed and also drill a new lock hole as well to match the original and slip the new one into lock position using that feeler gauge again so it doesn't lock into the bolt holes prematurely .

I like this idea. When i line up the bottom of the shifters and site down the hole i might just get away with filling (weld) or making an insert to take up the difference in shape.
16103032750481675984258.jpg
 
Hit me with the advice Heelberto.
Its f'n hard material for sure.
Sure, "My darl'n Clementine"!! The new handle looks like it's chrome plated, as such the shifter has a hard coating. Use a hand grinder or dremel to remove the chrome in the area that you will drill out......on both sides if possible. I would use a transfer punch to locate the second hole so that it fits tight, but only after you've removed the chrome. The shifter handle material itself might me slightly hardened (for strength), if this is the case, drill a pilot hole first. Use increasing larger drill bits until you get to size you need. As your drill bit size increases decrease your drill speed. Use cutting oil if possible, tap magic works the best to get a clean hole.
 
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