what does a stick shift look like?

Help please..

I am aplying for collector status for my 1969 Midget and they say I need to change the stick shift...does any one have an idea what it should look like ?

Um, among a number of questions, most importantly, who is "they"? I thought the MG Thought Control guys got run outta town in Vancouver. Guess not.

Dude, collect the car you like. Ignore the rest. Have fun. Otherwise, as soon as you get the, duh, "stick shift" right, somebody will start nagging you for the threads not being British Standard Whitworth, or whatever. Just have fun with your car. I figure your message may well be a nonsense message anyhow (note the courtesy) but this is at least a courteous reply.

If you are looking for Concours points, perhaps you should post a photo of your stick shift. Then many MG folks could help you with your collector car.

I am so embarrassed. I didn't read your name, Sharon. I called you "dude". I cringe. I apologize. Jeez.

But I still say you don't have to grovel to some group that says you don't have the correct stickshift. What nonsense. Bah. Find an MG club and kick ass.

Barry B

Thx for the courtesy reply Barry. I did join an MG club, I am having fun (when the gears work) and the reason I'm applying to 'them' (the insurance gods) for collector status, is to save $1000 a year on insurance, as my 83 Harley costs a fortune as it is. Will post a pic of the shifter I'm using now - too new I'm guessing...me and the shifter.
Cheerio

Sharon, I can't think of anything other than the addition of a non original shift knob that could set them off. All Midgets had the shifter mounted on the transmission and coming through the floor between the seats, so that shouldn't be a problem. The knob should just screw on the lever, so it's easy to change if this is what they object to, just get an original type knob and install it for the inspection, then change back to what's comfortable when you're done. I did say comfortable, I think most shift knobs were changed for both appearance and comfort. I find the original knobs a little small for my large hands and prefer the wider contact area of a wood or leather knob.
Here's a photo I found of the interior of a 70 Midget showing the shift lever, hope this helps.

The photo mentioned above.

Excellent, I see the one I have now is much too large. Thanks

Hey Sharon??? Do you need the knob? or the whole shift lever???? I have several... come get one if you need to... I'm just down the road near Seattle.

Michael

What moronic insurance underwriter would make such a demand?

Which insurance company is this, and did they give you a reason for wanting a different shift knob????

BTW, Sharon, in 1971 everybody bought those Amco knobs for their LBC's... they were $4.95.

Thanks very much, how much would you sell me one for ?

It is the public insurance company in BC, caled ICBC. I have to have the vehicle as stock to qualify for collector status and receive far cheaper insurance.

Understood... I'm sure you can inexpensively source an original knob from someone here on the forum or on ebay. I'd suggest $10 or less... wish I had a spare to send you, but all I have are a large pile of these old wood AMCO knobs... :-)

If this board doesn't pan out, I suggest you try ebay seller "britishrestore". Lisa has lots of Midgets they are breaking for parts, and her prices are quite reasonable.
Mike

PS It appears you just need a "shift knob", not the whole "shifter".