Shift Flange Reproduction

[Alexander]

Since many of you are going to be taking off the steering wheel to repair your sloppy shift linkage, I was thinking a bout making another piece that is not available. The shift flange (B8S 3511) is a chrome plated piece and is usually pitted. This is difficult to re-plate since it has a bearing inside. It is not being reproduced. I was thinking of making a shiny metal sleeve to fit over this piece to make it seem re-chromed. It would be cost less than a full reproduction or re-chroming the piece, plus you would not need to disassemble the whole steering column. You would just need to remove the steering wheel.

http://www.squarebirds.org/images/auto-shift-parts.jpg

Any interest in this?

Alexander
1959 Hardtop
1960 Golde Top

[Guest]

RE: Shift Flange Reproduction

Sure i would be interested of course based on cost.. do there wear out??
mark

[Alexander]

RE: Shift Flange Reproduction

The bearing inside the flange may wear out if it it not greased. Other than that, it should last indefinitely.

Alexander
1959 Hardtop
1960 Golde Top

[BlackBird58]

RE: Shift Flange Reproduction

It's hard to tell from the manual picture which part you're talking about. Is it possible that you could show a clearer picture? I want to know what it is to know if I want to replace it!

Mel

[Alexander]

RE: Shift Flange Reproduction

It is the chrome-plated piece between the steering wheel and the shift collar. It is usaully pitted after 46+ years.

Alexander
1959 Hardtop
1960 Golde Top

[Guest]

RE: Shift Flange Reproduction

Alexander:

Where do you get the great parts drawings you post? They are very helpful. Are they available in some sort of book form or CD?

[Alexander]

RE: Shift Flange Reproduction

They are from the Blue 1949-1959 Ford parts book. These were last printed in 1964. They are now out of print. Expect to pay $125 to $150 for one.

There is good news though. You can get the shop manual on CD. It includes the parts manual. http://americanautomanuals.com

The Thunderbird vendors also sell a condensed version of the parts book that only includes the diagrams for the 1958-60 Thunderbirds. Some of the Thunderbird vendor catalogs also use some of these diagrams.

Alexander
1959 Hardtop
1960 Golde Top

[BlackBird58]

RE: Shift Flange Reproduction

Now I know what you're talking about. If the price is right, I'd be interested.

Mel