1970 Gear Shift Knob

[mikenann]

Hi Everyone

I got a little originally question. I have a built date 5/70 serial # 4445 car and was wondering if this was an early production item which was later changed?

My gear shift knob has Datsun on it and there is a shift pattern plate on the console. The plate appears to be 43 years old but I just do not know.

Has anyone else seen this?

I had a z 40 years ago and for the life of me I can not remember what year I had, and of course I do not remember what the gear shift knob looked like. The curse of getting old????

tanks mike

[jfa.series1]

I have the sales brochure from 2/70, the gearshift knob appears to have the shift pattern on it and there is no sign of a pattern plate anywhere on the console.

[AZ-240z]

When I picked up my car from the dealership 42 years ago, they had already replaced the wooden knob with an Amco leather covered knob

with a red, white, and blue medallion inserted where the shift pattern normally is. I, then, purchased a little shift pattern plate, can't

remember if it had an adhesive backing or little screws, and placed it on the console.

I would say that your shift knob is Amco aftermarket. Dealers would put as much aftermarket stuff on new cars as they could to tack on

every possible chance for a higher profit.

[an_unusual_eye]

agreed... sounds like a dealer installed Amco.

[26th-Z]

I have been wanting to share this with all the knob aficionados out there. On this site we have discussed the original knob, various knob substitutions, knob size, and just about everything knobbish. I agree that you probably have an AMCO knob, Mike. Post a picture. I know plenty of people collecting the AMCO accessories and I think they are handsome additions to the interior. Your car did not come (from Japan) with a shift pattern plate on the console however.

Some years ago, when I was active in judging Z-car shows, I dinked and his lovely early Z for an incorrect knob. It has been generally accepted that the original knob was wood with a shift pattern cloisonne cap. Charlie got a little incensed about it, claiming his solid black acrylic knob with white outlined shift pattern came stock with the car.

So a friend of mine sent me images of the FIA homologation application for the LHD HS30 and HLS30 model which contained a bunch of pictures. To my amazement, there it was! Of course, one could argue that this picture is of a very early prototype and that this knob never made it into production. It certainly isn't like the knobs that came with my cars. One could also observe that the solid black acrylic knob was used in other Datsun cars at the time. But I would also point out that we use the pictures in the dealer brochures to demonstrate originality and this picture, although not a published brochure, is a substantial qualification document and would therefore declare that the rare and obscure solid black acrylic knob be considered stock and original.

Edited November 6, 2013 by 26th-Z

[AZ-240z]

26th-z, Looks like the car in your picture also has the radio-delete storage pocket installed. Were cars delivered with this delete option anywhere, that you know of, or does that compromise the shift knob argument? I do know that this delete storage pocket part could be bought over the counter in the US.

Edited November 6, 2013 by AZ-240z

[HS30-H]

Looks like the car in your picture also has the radio-delete storage pocket installed.

I don't think it's got anything in the hole. The lower dash mount is visible, and you would not see that if the plastic storage pocket thingy was installed.

They were an extra-cost option on the 'S30-S' Fairlady Z 'Standard' ( no frills ) model. I was really happy to get one last year, but can't think what to do with it except put it on the bookshelf and feel pleased with it.....

[AZ-240z]

Alan, after taking a closer look, I believe you are absolutely correct. Probably 15 years ago, I order a faceplate for my early 240z. What I received

was that radio delete storage pocket. I did hold onto it for several years but finally just gave it away. Not my best decision!

[Reverend]

I have exactly that kind of shifter knob in my 1979 330 Cedric. (black acrylic)

[bartsscooterservice]

Datsun Wood Shift Knob 240Z 260z 510 1200 B10 B110 Nissan 4SPEED M8 P125 Thread | eBay

Original ? They go for pretty high prices..

[Reverend]

Sheesh! I wonder what they ask about walnut 5 speed knob...

[bartsscooterservice]

^ ..

I don't have the Original one either. Can you still order the Original knob from Nissan ?