Lagondaforum

Subject: Re: Auto gear shift knob

---

At least one DB4 was fitted with a column (auto) change, Simon. I will see if I can find a picture for you.

Subject: Re: Auto gear shift knob

---

Thank you Tim, look forward to the picture, I imagine it must be one of the earlier series DB4's ?

---

Subject: Re: Auto gear shift knob

---

I'll try brasso if water & detergent doesn't work; thanks for the suggestion

Simon, I wouldn't be tempted by a spare slush box with no known pedigree, if you want one, GW Autos have dozens (& dozens). Better in my view to invest in one of their 4-speed conversions which make the car much more drivable and quieter at motorway speeds (2200 rpm not 3000+)

Subject: Re: Auto gear shift knob

---

David hi

It wasn't the slush box which interested me, it was the floor change

Eventually the current box will be changed for the ZF 4-speed box.

---

Subject: Re: Auto gear shift knob

---

I get it now! I'd therefore propose you might check with ASD to see if the components necessary to convert the steering column back to, in effect, a "manual" stick-shift configuration, are available, so you could remove the cumbersome column shift castings etc. I think you'd also need to experiment with the positioning and right length of floor auto shift lever for comfortable use. I have spare gearbox tunnels if you need to experiment

Water & detergent working - very slowly!

Subject: Re: Auto gear shift knob

---

The gentleman on eBay seems to be selling the whole kit, do take a look and see if I am missing something - your comments are greatly appreciated.

Will see what pans out and thank you for the kind offer of gearbox tunnel cover..

You can use a stronger material than soap and water, that will take awhile. Another possibility is simply Pledge a furniture spray which will loosen the adhesive, but won't effect the bakerlite.

I am sure that you can work out why I have experimented with all these different solvents / cleaning agents etc in our business.

---

Subject: Re: Auto gear shift knob

---

If I'm looking at the correct ebay item it's ex-DB4 and in Malvern. Seeing the shift more closely, again I'd recommend a call to GW to see if they have converted one of these 3-speed floor shifts to 4-speed, and how. On the column change there is no externally visible machining etc needed for the conversion, just a new 4-speed label, but this 3 speeed floor shift appears to have "scallops" for the D, D and L.

2 further thoughts, if you do end up in Malvern we are not far away so you could have a demo of how the 4-speed works. Also, you'll need to ensure the engine front damper is "as new" because mine broke apart the first time of kick-down from 3 to 1: the metallastic sheared

Brasso worked in the end!

Subject: Re: Auto gear shift knob

---

David - looks like I will be visiting Malvern shortly, and will try and arrange to visit you at the same time.

Have spoken to GW and yes conversion possible.

---

Subject: Re: Auto gear shift knob

---

Thread resurrection! The "new" gearknob has started to craze badly, and sadly it's not through over use. Nearing the time to get one made, I think

Subject: Re: Auto gear shift knob

---

I'm thinking a having a local machinist make a replacement gearknob in polished aluminium or brass, same dimensions as the original. Does anyone else want to join me in a short run of them? Cost tbc