I purchased my MKIA 382001679 in 1977 from the original owner. It had the
black rubber coated shifter ring. When I purchased a replacement many years
ago, I was surprised it was chrome. I still have the original black one
around here somewhere. If I can find it, I'll take a picture and post it on
the web.
Jim D
----- Original Message -----
From: <VegasLegal@aol.com>
To: <tigers@autox.team.net>
Sent: Saturday, June 07, 2003 3:12 PM
Subject: Shift boot fininshing ring.
> Dear List:
>
> Mr. Laifman and I have been having a discussion concerning the proper
finish for the top ring at the shifter boot. Earlier I had written that I
saw the black finishing ring on the recent Utah original Tiger on EBay as a
sign of authenticity. Evidence now seems pretty clear that, at least many,
Tigers came with a chrome ring.
>
> My car (B382000975) had an interior that was so original, yet dilapidated,
that it was scary. The finishing ring was coated with what appeared to be
the same coating as found on the trunk clips. It had seperated or broken
away in a couple of spots revealing a chrome ring beneath. I have confirmed
with the original owner that she never had the shifter or transmission
worked on, and that the ring was black when she bought the car.
>
> My question is whether anyone out there is familiar with any other black
original rings besides mine and the Utah Tiger, or whether any further
information on this anamoly might exist. I have recovered mine in
plasti-dip.
>
> Incidentally, the tunnel at the shifter is not as flat as it should be,
and the ring obviously suffered a slight bend on installation. A
supposition of mine is that there may have been a select few installations
that showed poorly in chrome due to bening on installation, and Sunbeam
would coat them to hide the imperfection.
>
> Bob Nersesian
> Telephone: 702-385-5454
> Facsimile: 702-385-7667
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