Does it come off??

[Toploader]

Gadget, I ordered a complete arm with the knob.....how would you suggest I change it, and are any special tools needed?

I bought an NOS shift lever for my car. Those are simple to change, and the chrome on my handle is so-so. I still haven't put it on. I've owned it, hmm, 3 years now? The one in the car isn't bad like the original was though. That thing could have drawn blood if I wasn't careful.

[miamibob]

Check out response #10. If more detail is required, I am sure someone will jump in!

[Toploader]

I do not have a punch, what can I utilize in its place?

to change the whole lever, you remove the shrouds from the column and remove the single pin that holds it in. It requires a light tap with a hammer and a punch to knock it out of the hole. Same to re-install.

[miamibob]

I do not have a punch, what can I utilize in its place?

See if you can borrow one from a local auto parts place. If not, I am sure some local joint will have a cheap one you can purchase.

[Toploader]

What kind of punch, what size?

See if you can borrow one from a local auto parts place. If not, I am sure some local joint will have a cheap one you can purchase.

[Mainemantom]

You could use a nail just flatten the point down.

[sly]

+1 just use a fat nail.

[gadget73]

I may have used a small screwdriver when I did mine, but a nail would do fine. I have a set of punches from Harbor Freight that I use for stuff now. They go on sale for about the price of scrap steel every now and then. Not super quality, but its pretty hard to screw up a pin punch.

[Mainemantom]

Harbor Freight has some good stuff for occasional use if you use the coupons !

[Toploader]

They sent the incorrect arm, it is smaller and has more of a bend in it...........since my car is an '86 can someone post of picture of what an original arm should look like on the post or laying on a bench?

Thanks!

[Mainemantom]

You may have received the arm for a mini LTD/marquis.

[Toploader]

The part number comes up for a CV, a MGM, and a Capri. The arm on my '86 MGM is a bit longer and does not have such a sharp bend in it.......someone post of picture of theirs so I can compare to the one on the car now?

Thanks

You may have received the arm for a mini LTD/marquis.

[Toploader]

Alex, the picture here........what is it off off?...the part that attaches to the column looks different than the one I have and the one on my '86 MGM

If you are not saving it, get a heat gun and get it good 'n warm (watch out for the other interior parts) and then pull it straight off. It will take effort.
Best way to get the new one on is in the middle of a hot summer day. Put the new knob on the dash in the sun, when its been baking in the sun for a few hours, shove it onto the shift lever, have a block of wood handy to give it a whack if it is very stubborn.

Alex.