gear shift plate question

[Des]

does anyone know if you can replace the plate for the gearbox with one from another model easily?
Or would it involve changing the entire shifter as well?

I would like one like this out of a W114 in my W116, combined with a wooden gear shifter

[WGB]

I think the wooden gear lever would just be a straight unscrew one and screw in another.

What you call the plate is a the top of an assembly that would need to be compared with the dimensions and mountings of a 116 one.

I have a stainless steel insert with PRNDSL on it but haven't been able to see how it fits on a 116 - more likely to be an insert for a 124 or 126 surround.

If the dimensions are the same it would be a simple swap. Someone may know off-hand if this is possible.

If you are serious get hold of one from a wrecker and post it with dimensions and pictures.
I have a couple of old 116 ones in a box that I can measure and photograph.

Suggestion - Start by measuring the hole in the console of each and see if that bit fits before pulling anything apart.

Bill

[AMG69]

Bill, I got that off EBAY and left it with you as I think I got ripped off ($7  )  .  I havent seen anything else that fits W116 despite EBAYER suggesting it would.

[WGB]

Hi Chris,

The first weekend I had the car I attacked the gearshift rattle and after removing the entire console found that the aluminium AMG Gearknob just unscrewed (Doh). While I was there I replaced the Gear shift surround with a newer looking one that I had and at the same time tried to see how the S/S insert worked but couldn't.

I subsequently hung it on a hook with my tools on a peg board where it has stayed since October.

I will gaze on it again over the weekend (I will either be sanding my 450 or replacing some front suspension bushes and a couple of ball joints in the 6.9) and see if I can get inspiration as I have a couple of old surrounds that I can play with.

Bill

[johnnyw116]

hi the gearshift plate fits without problems , you only have to change the wires for the litlle light inside the gearshift plate but that a piece of cake , i have one fitted in my 280SE  , it came out of an '69 250C W114 by the way           

greetings : johnny  .                           

[WGB]

Here is a photo of the plate AMG69 purchased off E-bay



It is exactly the same shape as the 116 selector and would "Glue" (Tackily ) on top of the selector surround if you really wanted to do it.

Here is a photo of the reverse of a 116 selector surround which shows that it is all one piece with the tags holding the chromed plastic strips heat welded from inside.



I've given up and hung it back on it's hook but any bright ideas gratefully received.

Bill

[koan]

Don't know if this is of any relevance but didn't some say that the chrome strips are plastic chrome on some gates and real chrome metal on others. Can't recall if it was model dependent or early/late.

I've done a few plastic repairs with a pointy soldering iron and plastic scraps for fill. Hidden functional pieces only, but the professional do an excellent job on visible bits.

koan

[johnnyw116]

this one came from an '69 114 coupe but it fits just the same