GM column shift parts

[UGLY OLDS]

Does anyone know if "oversize" pins are still available for the shift levers on GM  columns?? This in the small round pin that the shift lever "pivots" on when it is installed into the "cup" or "bowl" on the steering column. It used to be common for these pins to wear & loosen over time & GM dealers used to stock a slightly oversize pin to resolve the problem of the pin working loose ,( ie: coming out of the shift bowl or cup ) , rather than replacing the cup & lever...Idea's ??  Thanks...Bob

[enjenjo]

If you find a source, let me know. I was getting them from a guy here that rebuilt columns, but the law caught up to him, and he left for parts unknown.

The last couple I did, I made my own pins, but it's not very time effective.

[Charlie Chops 1940]

I had one of those that plagued me for a long time, so I JB Welded the pin in there. Stayed. Eventually moved the shift to the floor when I put a 700 in it. Put a no-shift cplumn in.

Charlie

[slocrow]

Hey Bob; How about buying a cheap drill bit, the size you need and cut off the length you want..........Frank

[enjenjo]

Hey Bob; How about buying a cheap drill bit, the size you need and cut off the length you want..........Frank

The problem is , Frank, one end is larger, and knurled to hold it in place. I have made new oversize ones out of drill rod, but it takes too long to be cost effective.

[river1]

Hey Bob; How about buying a cheap drill bit, the size you need and cut off the length you want..........Frank

The problem is , Frank, one end is larger, and knurled to hold it in place. I have made new oversize ones out of drill rod, but it takes too long to be cost effective.

is this what it looks like?

what are the dimensions of the stock piece?

how much bigger is the needed one?

later jim

[UGLY OLDS]

Hey Bob; How about buying a cheap drill bit, the size you need and cut off the length you want..........Frank

The problem is , Frank, one end is larger, and knurled to hold it in place. I have made new oversize ones out of drill rod, but it takes too long to be cost effective.

is this what it looks like?

what are the dimensions of the stock piece?

how much bigger is the needed one?

later jim

That looks close..I'll pull a column apart tomorrow pm & see if i can get some specs unless Frank has one handy laying around....Thanks Everybody...

[slocrow]

Hey Bob; How about buying a cheap drill bit, the size you need and cut off the length you want..........Frank

The problem is , Frank, one end is larger, and knurled to hold it in place. I have made new oversize ones out of drill rod, but it takes too long to be cost effective.

Ok, though in a pinch I might try to make it work. What about a roll pin? That might do OK, or am I off the mark...............again. Frank

[UGLY OLDS]

Hey Bob; How about buying a cheap drill bit, the size you need and cut off the length you want..........Frank

The problem is , Frank, one end is larger, and knurled to hold it in place. I have made new oversize ones out of drill rod, but it takes too long to be cost effective.

Ok, though in a pinch I might try to make it work. What about a roll pin? That might do OK, or am I off the mark...............again. Frank

A roll pin / piece of drill rod etc. will work as a temp repair & we have all done this in the past...As frank Explained, the knurl is the key to holding them in place properly... They used to be available at dealers, larger parts stores , ( as "quick-fix" parts in the little bubble packs) , & from column rebuilders. I guess as more cars go to those new-fangled floor shifter things, the repair pins are going out of style...Something will turn up...Thanx again...Bob

[enjenjo]

Hey Bob; How about buying a cheap drill bit, the size you need and cut off the length you want..........Frank

The problem is , Frank, one end is larger, and knurled to hold it in place. I have made new oversize ones out of drill rod, but it takes too long to be cost effective.

Ok, though in a pinch I might try to make it work. What about a roll pin? That might do OK, or am I off the mark...............again. Frank

I have to rebuild one tomorrow, I'll measure the pin. I don't have it memorized.

The problem with a roll pin, the original pin is tight in the collar, and the shift lever pivots on it. If you use a roll pin, it's tight in the shifter, and loose in the column. Since the column collar is die cast, it wears out in no time.Where the collar wears on the original pin, is at the top, where the knurl holds it in place. So the oversize replacement pin, is actually the same size, except the knurl, which tightens it up.

I have made a new pin out of mild steel, with a button head screw to hold it in place, but they wear fast too.

[UGLY OLDS]

Hey Bob; How about buying a cheap drill bit, the size you need and cut off the length you want..........Frank

The problem is , Frank, one end is larger, and knurled to hold it in place. I have made new oversize ones out of drill rod, but it takes too long to be cost effective.

Ok, though in a pinch I might try to make it work. What about a roll pin? That might do OK, or am I off the mark...............again. Frank

I have to rebuild one tomorrow, I'll measure the pin. I don't have it memorized.

The problem with a roll pin, the original pin is tight in the collar, and the shift lever pivots on it. If you use a roll pin, it's tight in the shifter, and loose in the column. Since the column collar is die cast, it wears out in no time.Where the collar wears on the original pin, is at the top, where the knurl holds it in place. So the oversize replacement pin, is actually the same size, except the knurl, which tightens it up.

I have made a new pin out of mild steel, with a button head screw to hold it in place, but they wear fast too.

Perfect explanation...Thank You Frank....

[slocrow]

OK, I'm out of ideas, for now.......................

[river1]

good explanation. i think charlie has the best idea to fix it, JB Weld.

later jim

[enjenjo]

The pin is .219 D, the knurled part is .228 D, the length overall is 1.390

[sirstude]

How about hinge pins in the "Help" section at the parts house?

Doug