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Topic: AOD floor shifter gear lock release button (Read 2921 times) previous topic - next topic

AOD floor shifter gear lock release button

My '88 XR-7 floor shifter gradually stopped moving from park to N/D/R due to the loss of function in the release button on the side of the shifter.  I had to fight with it at the end before it finally quit working. I disassembled the shifter and found that the part that transmits the pressure on the button to the latch release in the base of the shifter (through the shifter stalk) had worn out and broken.  This piece is basically a solid plastic tube with a bunch of round nubs along the length of it. Does anybody know what I'm talking about?  Is there a replacement for this piece?  For now, I've removed the latch and spring at the shifter lock, but now the vehicle can be put into gear or neutral without the key and by accidentally bumping the shift lever.
Any input/help would be appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

AOD floor shifter gear lock release button

Reply #1
If you can find a part number for that little white ball piece these guys might have it: http://www.greensalescompany.com/
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.

AOD floor shifter gear lock release button

Reply #2
One of these days I am gonna get with my dad and see if he can help me print one on a 3d printer. Could probably sell them cheap if they worked okay.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

AOD floor shifter gear lock release button

Reply #3
Quote from: Haystack;463222
One of these days I am gonna get with my dad and see if he can help me print one on a 3d printer. Could probably sell them cheap if they worked okay.

I have a complete floor shifter set up at home, and a 3D printer at work. I should really try this.

My concern is that, even in ABS, it may not be as strong as the factory part. You would have to use a lot of infill when printing it.
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.

AOD floor shifter gear lock release button

Reply #4
I'd be willing to be your test dummy if you want to try to make one or more.  Since I know how to work around the failure of this part, it wouldn't be a tragedy if it didn't last.  They're somewhat flexible, I don't know how rigid the 3D printed piece would be, so that would be another thing to consider in addition to the strength question.  Keep us posted!

AOD floor shifter gear lock release button

Reply #5
I saw thunderjet302's comment before yours.  I would definitely be willing to try one, and I would expect there to be a market for these, even if not a large one.

AOD floor shifter gear lock release button

Reply #6
Quote from: thunderjet302;463218
If you can find a part number for that little white ball piece these guys might have it: http://www.greensalescompany.com/

I've been searching and can't come up with a parts diagram for our cars.  Any leads on where to find a resource for the info?

AOD floor shifter gear lock release button

Reply #7
The part number is E7SZ-7E148-A. Quick check of eBay and Green Sales didn't yield anything. Hope that helps though.

AOD floor shifter gear lock release button

Reply #8
shop manuals will show the actual part.

AOD floor shifter gear lock release button

Reply #9
Quote from: CatManDude;463241
I'd be willing to be your test dummy if you want to try to make one or more.  Since I know how to work around the failure of this part, it wouldn't be a tragedy if it didn't last.  They're somewhat flexible, I don't know how rigid the 3D printed piece would be, so that would be another thing to consider in addition to the strength question.  Keep us posted!

Depending on the amount of in fill a 3D part can be pretty stiff or flexible. I'll have to pull the shifter I have apart and get a feel for what it should be like.

Recreating the thing without a 3D scanner is going to be fun :hick:
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.

AOD floor shifter gear lock release button

Reply #10
Wouldn't be bad to recreate it. You could just put some beads around a square or even round tube and duplicate it nearly identical. Its a plastic rod, really doesnt have to be nore complicated then that.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

AOD floor shifter gear lock release button

Reply #11
Thanks!

AOD floor shifter gear lock release button

Reply #12
If you can find one, use it. I've been busy at work and trying to hire another employee so I don't know when I'd have time to try and make this thing, at least any time soon.
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.

AOD floor shifter gear lock release button

Reply #13
Ill give my dad a spare one ive been saving and see what he says. He is all self taught and has built about 10 3d printers now, first couple he soldered the boards and bought all the parts at the hardware store.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com