I am trying to remove my 80's shift **** and I have not been successful... Any advice? Mine does not look to have a lock nut.
Thanks

 

The lock nut is the base of the **** so to speak. There is a flat spot on either side of the base. You need to loosen that to take the pressure off the **** itself. Otherwise you will crack the glass insert (84-5 models). But same procedure for 81-5. 79-80 it just turns hard counterclockwise.

 

SA (79-80) just twists off as wahootee said.

 

OK, no issues with breaking anything? It's very hard to remove when I apply almost as much force as I can...

 

Its just threaded on. So maybe spray some PB Blaster up at the bottom threads and let it sit for awhile. Are you sure you are turning it the correct way? If it has never been off, it could be on there pretty snug.

 

Counterclockwise and yes, I don't think it's ever been off
Thanks

 

SA manual ***** have a plastic insert inside them that does have a slight interference fit with the shoulder on the gear lever shaft. Once you get it moving, it will get easier but I've never removed one that took anything close to my full force. Maybe try a strap wrench or get a rag to wrap around the **** and use a small pipe wrench to break it free. SA automatics do have a jam nut right under the T-handle lever.

 

Same here as the old schools have a similar **** with a natural colored nylon insert or inside part. Doesn't take much to unscrew. However if a **** has been on there for years and years, sometimes it does take a lot of force to get it moving. I had one **** where someone used a channel lock or maybe a pipe wrench and you can still see the teeth marks. Thor probably tightened that one.

OP, could your **** be aftermarket with a set screw?

 

Hmmm, I don't think it's aftermarket but will look again.