1971 replacement manual shift knob

[Jerod M.]

My original shift knob has some light scratches, so I ordered a repro black chrome shift knob. You can see the repro on the left, which has a deep black tone. The original on the right has more of a "smoked mirror" effect, with some pronounced bright silver tones.

My question is... Am I looking at a worn 40 year old part that has lost its luster with time and should look darker like the one on the left? Or am I dealing with an inaccurate "too dark" repro finish?

Thanks!

[Peter G.]

Re: 1971 replacement manual shift knob

Jedrod..I see your deliema. I too am in the same boat. I have a original with many scratches, but I only get dinged on condition 1es and 2es...I noticed too from the catalog that the repo appeared to be darker almost plastic looking.

I did polished my original and it looked darker too after a good chrome polish..Tarnite*.

The black plastic repo is the "Service Replacement" for the black chrome. The only thing that I can't live with on the plastic knob is that it "rattles" while driving.

[James W.]

Re: 1971 replacement manual shift knob

That "smoked-glass" look would be wear (IMHO). My 71 had the same look, but also had 97k miles. That's a lot of stroking on that shifter

Jim

[Kenneth T.]

Re: 1971 replacement manual shift knob

Jerod,

My shift knob seems black, however with light on it you can see the metalic flecks of silver in it.

Also, is the weight correct? I have found some after market knobs are lighter and the shift throw feels different. The weight of the knob makes the shift feel smooth and natural.

Ken

[Jerod M.]

Re: 1971 replacement manual shift knob

This repro is dead-on weight. It is all metal and looks great too. The only question was the finish. I think you guys are right...the "smoky mirror" look is wear and age. I think this repro might be very close to the original look, sans the metallic flake you guys speak of. I'm having trouble seeing metallic flake in my original.