C3 shifter question

[Dale P.]

We have a 68 427/400 4 speed car .. it has the correct transmission but the shifter itself has the chrome ball .. I thought that all 68's had the black ball .. which is correct and is there any difference in anything else?

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 shifter question

Dale-----

No, all 68 Corvettes with manual transmission used a regular chrome transmission shifter knob of GM #3857160 and the same one used for all 64-67 Corvettes with manual tranmission. The black chrome ball, GM #3960608, did not come into use until the 1969 model year. Even for 1969, it was used only for 4 speed-equipped Corvettes. 3 speed manual Corvettes got the regular chrome knob.

[Harmon C.]

Re: C3 shifter question

The black balls loose their finish to look like chrome both are sold new in chrome or black and you need to check your TIM&JG to be sure what you need. Lyle

[Harmon C.]

Re: C3 shifter question

Joe Sorry I posted before your response appeared. Lyle

[Jack H.]

Re: C3 shifter question

Bright silver chrome ball on shifter for '68. Black chrome ball used '69-72. Be thankful!

When I first drove my '71, I found this 'funky' leather 'bag' stitched over the shift ball. I cut it off and found the reminants of the factory original black chrome ball beneath (scared and doggy looking). I drove on.

Top down, I stopped for lunch leaving the car basking in the noon day sun. After lunch, I jumped in fired the engine and went to drive off. When I grabbed the shift ball, OUCH! It was hotter 'n a pistol....

Now, I drive with silver chrome ball on the shift lever and keep an NOS black chrome ball tucked away for show.

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 shifter question

Lyle----

No problem; that's the way it is on the board. It happens to me all the time.

[Dale P.]

Re: C3 shifter question-response

Thanks for all the information .. I was confused when looking at a repalcement stock unit .. there are two offered for the 68's .. one with the chrome ball and a second with a black ball .... the unit that is in the car now has a very sloppy feel to it ... in neutral no resistance at all as you "wiggle the shifter side to side" .. between the gates (shifting 2-3)very rough feel and even in gear if you just slightly tug on the shifter like you want to pull it into neutral ... the shifter never had a good clean crisp feel .. all bolts are tight, linkage adjusted per the maint. manual .. my first thought was to take it apart .. clean it .. and see if I could find the reason for all this play .. is it better to replace or repair ....thoughts anyone .. I am tired of this thing hanging up in third gear ... no other gear other then third

[Roger Legge]

Re: C3 shifter question-response

The shifter in my '68 seemed to be in pretty good shape, but while replacing the clutch I went ahead and rebuilt the shifter with a kit from Zip. I saw no obviously worn pieces comparing old to new, but after installing the kit, the shifter was a little 'tighter' than before the kit.

Roger
#36316

[Harmon C.]

Re: C3 shifter question-response

If you take it out for repair I have squeezed the frame in a vice slightly so the fit is almost tight. They seem to get spread out after years of abuse. If you take it out and repair it I think you will like the results. Lyle

[Jim T.]

Re: C3 shifter question

My 68 original owner 68 still has its original chrome ball, Feb 68 car. I have removed the shifter a few times to clean and regrease, shifts real nice with new grease.