David Sep 11, 2013 3:13 pm
Subject: Auto gear shift knob

Am afraid I've just bought the last "new old stock" column auto shift knob from ASD, cheaper than having one made. Sorry Simon...

SRD Sep 11, 2013 4:14 pm
Subject: Re: Auto gear shift knob

David - Mine has seen just over 16k of use, so barely worn in.

I look forward to getting to the point, when I have to worry about replacement, due to lots of use.

Enjoy...

David Sep 11, 2013 5:20 pm
Subject: Re: Auto gear shift knob

I think the cause of the break-up of the existing bakelite (?) item is down to age rather than mileage!

SRD Sep 11, 2013 5:58 pm
Subject: Re: Auto gear shift knob

Interesting point, my bakerlite gear shift knobs on my 1950's dhc's are both still perfect and useable; same I suspect on my Rapide.

You are no doubt correct that A.D. or a sharp knock or similar can start the break-up of these very early polymers; and of course excessive heat, which over time makes them brittle; and of course vibration.

They can be repaired of course, I have done this with a few items, such as the horn-push which is prone to cracking and fracture on the DB car's, and with care, one can make invisible repairs. So if you have you have not disposed of it, please pm me and I will see if I can repair it for you.

A final point to consider, where did they source it from? This was another bought in component, which costs a few pounds. Given the love of the column change on Rootes cars, Hillman Minx and Humber Sceptre etc etc, these are a possible place to start...

David Sep 11, 2013 6:53 pm
Subject: Re: Auto gear shift knob

Simon, thanks for your kind offer to consider if a repair were feasible however the existing item already has some small pieces missing around the thread and since lost. I was also considering if the item was common with other vehicles so asked an independent specialist (GW) whose view was that it is actually a Lagonda item, of which he did not have any spares, so ASD should be first port of call. Too late now anyway as the new item is in the post & paid for!

SRD Sep 11, 2013 7:49 pm
Subject: Re: Auto gear shift knob

Always happy to help, if you have not thrown it away, please put the damaged gear knob away safely.

I am not sure, however, that this was a "Lagonda item", don't forget that auto transmission was never available for any of the earlier DB Lagonda's from 1947-58.

Which raises the quesion, were any DB4's or DB5's fitted with this style steering column change ? I know that the automatic was an option, but never saw too many, please do correct me if I am wrong. We, only had manual transmission AM's at home.

I suppose the other place to look is the cars where the 3-speed B&W slush boxes were fitted in the same period, with steering column change. A few cars spring to mind such as the Jaguar Mk 9 and 10, related Daimlers, Rover P5, Alvis TD-TF21, Rootes Company, BMC, AMC etc amongst others. I will take a look and see what I find...

ASD are always helpful, and I am pleasantly surprised by the number of small and obscure parts that they still hold.

David Sep 13, 2013 6:46 am
Subject: Re: Auto gear shift knob

Now how to remove the 50 year old glue residue from the part number label!

randall977 Sep 13, 2013 7:38 am
Subject: Re: Auto gear shift knob

Brasso / T-Cut work very well on Bakelite and dried sticky stuff. Just my experience...I cannot take responsibility for any damage caused...etc etc do a test bit first

SRD Sep 13, 2013 9:01 am
Subject: Re: Auto gear shift knob

I haved used Brasso sparingly on a cloth, when cleaning and polishing bakerlite fittings with no problems; also removed old adhesive as well. Grinning

Have tried T-Cut but slightly to aggressive and would not recommend. Laughing

SRD Sep 13, 2013 9:14 am
Subject: Re: Auto gear shift knob

To partially answer my own question regarding automatic change on the DB4/5/6, I note that there is a Borg Warner Slush box on eBay with all connecting parts.

This is for a floor mounted change on top of the transmission channel.

I have attached a few pictures for reference, looks tempting as well..

But still find it hard to believe that the colum change was not fitted to early DB4's ?
Attachments:
Auto Gear Box A.jpg (Filesize: 101.40 KB)
Auto gear Box B.jpg (Filesize: 78.65 KB)
Auto gear Box C.jpg (Filesize: 54.37 KB)
Auto gear Box D.jpg (Filesize: 92.26 KB)