Gearshift stick problem

[Bali]

Hi,

It won't be easy for me to explain it in english but I try, so sorry if I write "stupid" things.

I have uploaded a photo about the problem for the better understanding: http://www.lancisti.org/forum/modules.php?set_albumName=album25&id=800600_G&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

As you can see one of the gear sticks (the shortest with 2 rings on its ends, which goes across) fall down due to worned-ot insertion (inlay?).
Does anybody has idea how can I solve it?
Can I replace this insertion?

At a dealer I saw a picture about the whole gearbox system of the Beta and there was no separate part for this with Lancia number, but the whole stick with the rounded head bolts appeared as 1 piece.

Fiat Tipo has a very similar piece which is differ a little bit at the ends and longer than ours. Somebody adviced me to use this piece and get it shortened...

Thanks in advance

Bali

[Gregory Smith]

Hi Bali,
The part you refer to is called a heim joint. I don't know of a stock replacement, except for a kit from John Montgomery bertoneman@aol.com

The kit he sells replaces the heim joint as well as all 3 large shift bushings. It's a pretty good kit that will take a couple of hours to fit. It cost about $100US. It is also available through a few US vendors, like Vick Autosports http://www.vickauto.com

Hope this helps.

[Bali]

Thanks, it is really helpful.
I found the item you mentioned I think in the Fiat catalog of Vickauto (61.page)
It costs 119$.
I know that it is an affordable price - but now I have to look for a simplier (?) and cheaper solution...
When I will be ready for a full restoration, I will think about this.

Thanks

Bali

[Gregory Smith]

Hey Bali,

There are some on Ebay right now.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=31352&item=4554513597&rd=1

[Bali]

Thank you Gregory,

It is looks like it is not only the problem of my Beta... but it is good that it can be solved!
Finally I could solve it during the weekend by modifying a Fiat Tipo piece.
http://www.lancisti.org/forum/modules.php?set_albumName=album25&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php
I think this was the simpliest for me at this time (sum about 23 USD) and maybe it is even better than the original :-)

Thanks

Bali

[Gregory Smith]

Nice job!

The only advantage to the bushing kit's rod is its adjustability, which probably isn't needed if one gets the length correct.

Is the Tipo rod hollow? If so it could be threaded and a center coupling installed.

[Bali]

Hi,

Yes it is hollow (it isn't solid).
We just welded it around...
I was thinking about to strengthen it somehow, but...
You are probably right, but I hope it will not crack (the forces mainly parallel to the rod).

Bali

[Maigret]

Struck that problem soon after getting my HPE. Replaced with two standard ball joints and a bolt with head cut off and threaded to attach one at each end of it. Total cost was $NZ40 ~$US25. A local engineering shop supplied the joints and did the threading for me ready to bolt on. That was 6 years ago and haven't touched it since.