Automatic shifter lense

[E5 Charger]

I picked up an automatic column shifter from a 73 charger parts car and it doesn't say "slap stik" on the lense, but another one I have does. When is the lettering "slap stik" used?

[Nacho-RT74]

probably when you had slapstick shifter system ? and as far I know those are with T handle.

Non slap sticks are round knobs shifters

I learnt that recently, not prooved or tried to get further info but does look fairly true and logical

However my car doesn't state slapt stick and it is, with T handle, but is not built in USA and that could it be a reason. All the rest earliers models I have seen have it stated down here. probably is just a 74 stuff down here.

[E5 Charger]

Besides the T-handle or round knob, are there any differences in the way the shifter shifts? Is one better then the other?

[Nacho-RT74]

Slap stick is as stated moved with slaps, upshifting from 1st to 2nd, then to drive without need to press the button. Won't go more than one step at a time step since stops on next with same slap. Once the shifter is stablished on gear, then the block is released leting you slap it to next gear. Everything without press the button.

Is safer than regular shifter because won't need to press the button to upgear and maybe accidentally go in to neutral or even reverse or parking.

[E5 Charger]

Thanks Nacho. I remember reading that somewhere, but have never owned a Slap Stik shifter. I will definitely be using that one in my 74.

[E5 Charger]

I just tried both shifters and they both shift the same. You don't have to press the button to shift from 1st to 2nd to drive on either of them. Could it have the wrong lens or does "Slap Stik" just refer to the T-Handle? Can anyone confirm this?

[Nacho-RT74]

mmmmm... well I stated what I did know...

[Ghoste]

In 1970 the Slap Stik shifter had a round handle and knob and worked identically to the 71 and up T-handle style.  It was also marketed as a "Slap Stik" in the advertising for 1970.  However, I can't speak to which years had the lettering or didn't.

[E5 Charger]

I've been searching and can't believe the lack of information regarding "Slap Stik". I scanned this out of a 73 manual and it sounds like all console auto shifters shift the same. Nothing mentioned in my 1974 Chassis Service Manual, does anyone have any literature about the "Slap Stik"?

[Ghoste]

There was a little bit of mention of it in some of the E-body ads for 1970 and some magazine articles which talked vaguely about, but nothing much beyond that.  Are you still just trying to find out which years had the lettering and which didn't?

[E5 Charger]

I would like to know which years had the lettering and also if it is a marketing gimmick or actually meant something.

[Ghoste]

Well, it was called a Slap Stik by the marketing people right from the first one in 1970 so I would say that the name is just a gimmick.  Some factory literature refers to it as a speed shifter but in all cases, it functions exactly the same.  Whether the lettering is there or not, it is the same under the console.  As mentioned, there were two different style handles but the operation of the unit and the way it was constructed in the actual mechanism never changed.

[E5 Charger]

Thanks Ghoste.
I want to take the best parts from each shifter, but I'm not sure how to separate the chrome bezel from the shifter mechanism to get to the lense and slider. I might be able to pry them apart, but am not sure how to rejoin them securely. Have you ever done this?

[Ghoste]

Have you removed the knob, or I guess T-handle in your case, from the shifter?

[E5 Charger]

The T-handle is off both of them. I also unbolted the bezel from the shifter bracket. The bezel and plate on either side of the slider and lense is pressed together and held with pins that have the ends rounded off.

[Ghoste]

I have never taken the lens and slider out of one of those.  I suppose you could epoxy it back together when you are done.   

[E5 Charger]

That would probably work. I wonder how the new chrome bezels are installed? Has anyone out there bought one and installed it?

[Nacho-RT74]

lens is glued with double face tape I think... chrome trim is pressed studs like rivets. Slider plate ... you can remove it without remove anything else once complete assembly is out... just some tricky, but "doable"

PG classic sell all those stuf, BUT chromed trim is ready to be attached together with screws isntead pressed studs

[E5 Charger]

Thanks Nacho. Screws sound like the way to go, in case I want to take it apart again. I could try drilling the scrap rusted bezel I have to see if it works.

[Ghoste]

I think PG Classic is the one that someone is complaining about in the general discussion threads?  Does anyone else distribute it Nacho?

[Nacho-RT74]

only one I have known

[E5 Charger]

Many places sell the chrome plate, you can even get it from Chrysler through their New Restoration trim parts flyer. Most places are $125, but PG Classics is $69. Same part, or a cheaper reproduction? I don't really want to buy a new one yet (just a few pit marks) just want to take it apart. Maybe one day I'll get a new one.

[Ghoste]

I'd bet it's the same one with fewer middlemen.

[Nacho-RT74]

I would simply rechrome... I will make that later