Replacing shift chrome bezel and cleaning colored strips

[manycj]

I am in the process of replacing my shifter bezel and indicator on my 70 Challenger. I've already removed the bezel by grinding down the nubs (circled in blue). Normally that is where you would stop and reassemble it with a new indicator window and a bezel, but I need to clean up the colored (mylar?) strips that cause the indicator to change colors based on the shifter position. 

Before I go ahead and possibly destroy the thing I thought I would ask, is it ok to just drill out the spot welds (circled in red)? Or will something bad happen?

Chris

[Cuda Cody]

For some reason I'm drawing a blank on how I've done it in the past.  I know I've done a few Autos, but can't recall if I went that far in?     I think as long as you can re-weld or glue it back together it should be fine.   

[Cudajason]

hang on....I have one apart at home.

Let me take a few pics tonight and see what the spot welds are attached too!

Jason

[Cudajason]

Ok here you go.

I think you will be fine if the gring the spot welds off, but I am not convinced you need too.

This spot welds should pop of the section where the light socket attacheds, and expose the bottom of the colored strips, but i would be surprised if they were dirty...but i could be wrong.

Jason

[Cuda Cody]

Nice photo Jason.  Now that I see your pictures I know I've had at least one apart and put it back together.... so pretty sure it will work.

[Burdar]

Is this a 1970 thing only? I can honestly say that I don't remember my 73 shift indicator changing colors in different gears. Mine is all one color.

[Cudajason]

Is this a 1970 thing only? I can honestly say that I don't remember my 73 shift indicator changing colors in different gears. Mine is all one color.

I don't think so...my 74 was all original, well at least is looked like it was and it had the colors.  It could be that the colored lenses are busted out of yours.  Or maybe its a cuda only thing??

[Cudajason]

Nice photo Jason.  Now that I see your pictures I know I've had at least one apart and put it back together.... so pretty sure it will work.

no problem...if any one wants more, let me know, it will likely be apart for awhile.

Jason

[Chryco Psycho]

I would grind the swedges flat rather than drill this way the post is retained better & you have more to bond to , once they get thin pry the metal apart this my leave a lip you can hammer over again .

[Cudajason]

I would grind the swedges flat rather than drill this way the post is retained better & you have more to bond to , once they get thin pry the metal apart this my leave a lip you can hammer over again .

That is what I did...my plan when it goes back together is hit the nubs with JB weld.  That should hold it together.

Jason

[manycj]

My shifter suffered from a fluid spill, beer/soda, so it had to come a part. I ended up drilling out the spot welds.  Here it is a part. The color strips were pretty messy, which is not very evident in the pictures.  The reflector was nasty.  I have already cleaned it up and gave it a shot of flat white. Will most likely bond it together with epoxy after deburring the holes. Two of the holes are actually the mounting holes for the chrome bezel, so all I have to worry about is the two inboard corners on the reflector (bulb mount piece).
Chris

[Chryco Psycho]

Good Job