Gear selector position

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SamsBus2012
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Gear selector position

Post by SamsBus2012 »

Being a tallish fella of some 6'6" i find that the gear knob sits rather snuggly against my left leg when driving - on a long journey this can be a bit irritating. I have considered fitting an extension piece but before i do, is it possible to rotate the upper part of the stick at the pivot so that it is not so angled toward the driver?
Tom (aka Matt)
1986 Hightop with 1.9dg 4spd. The boys call him "Magnus"

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SamsBus2012
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Re: Gear selector position

Post by SamsBus2012 »

Reading the wiki, I think I have answered my question - looks like the gear stick (shaft) is a continuous piece that runs through the pivot with a fixed connector on the end. Am I right?
Tom (aka Matt)
1986 Hightop with 1.9dg 4spd. The boys call him "Magnus"

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Smiffo
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Re: Gear selector position

Post by Smiffo »

SamsBus2012 wrote:Reading the wiki, I think I have answered my question - looks like the gear stick (shaft) is a continuous piece that runs through the pivot with a fixed connector on the end. Am I right?

You are right.
Just bought a new 5sp one from Brickwerks last week.
I would take a photo but it is in the garage having it fitted.

I know the 5sp definitely is one fixed / welded item
From memory, the 4sp one was too, but someone else would have to verify that until I get the van and redundant stick back.

To answer the query, if it's 5sp, there is no way to adjust it.
not 100% sure about the 4sp version, but I am 95% sure it is one complete, non-adjustable type as well. ( Someone may correct me. )

E D I T: Just saw your description - you have 4sp.
'89 1.9 DG

“Some people die at 25 years old, and are buried at 75 yrs old” ~ Benjamin Franklin.

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SamsBus2012
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Re: Gear selector position

Post by SamsBus2012 »

Thanks - yeh 4 spd. Looking at the pics on the wiki I am now convinced this is a single piece as you have on your 5 spd. So I think one option could be to buy another stick and reshape the shaft above the pivot point - may buy one of those cranked extenders and try some experimentation.
Tom (aka Matt)
1986 Hightop with 1.9dg 4spd. The boys call him "Magnus"

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itchyfeet
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Re: Gear selector position

Post by itchyfeet »

Yes one piece stick, you can adjust slightly the position of the gates to make the 3rd/4th gate further away but then 1st/2nd can be harder to select.

I wonder if a short shift kit helps?
1988 DG WBX LPG Tin Top
itchylinks

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Smiffo
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Re: Gear selector position

Post by Smiffo »

SamsBus2012 wrote:Thanks - yeh 4 spd. Looking at the pics on the wiki I am now convinced this is a single piece as you have on your 5 spd. So I think one option could be to buy another stick and reshape the shaft above the pivot point - may buy one of those cranked extenders and try some experimentation.

Well...
I had endless trouble getting a 5sp, because they snap apparently, so are hard to find second hand. ( Probably why mine had the 4sp variant in it )

Not sure what the 4sp ones are like strength wise, so couldn't comment whether they would be up to bending or re-shaping.
I will let more experienced people answer that to save you ruining a perfectly good stick.

If you do try to do something, and it goes south on you, I will probably have a spare 4sp in the near future.
If you find yourself in trouble and need one, PM me. I might be able to help there.
'89 1.9 DG

“Some people die at 25 years old, and are buried at 75 yrs old” ~ Benjamin Franklin.

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SamsBus2012
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Re: Gear selector position

Post by SamsBus2012 »

Thanks both again for your comments, much appreciated as ever. Hadn't considered a short shift kit - suppose as it shortens the throw it shortens the gate space too. I'll send a query to BW.
:ok
E D I T: Actually not sure if BW do a kit - I've seen one on CVCulture though
Tom (aka Matt)
1986 Hightop with 1.9dg 4spd. The boys call him "Magnus"

greasemonkey
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Re: Gear selector position

Post by greasemonkey »

Yes BW do the kit, fitted it to mine and it works great. Essentially raises the pivot point so throw is less.

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