Does anyone know what the stock shifter knob looks like for a 78? Are they available for purchase anywhere????

It's a black vinyl/plastic (fake leather look with stiching off center, front and rear) with a deep red disc with the 5 speed pattern on top. That's what shown in the 78 model lineup brochure and also what's in my 78. There's a part number for it (32865-U4200) but I don't know if it's still available through Nissan. You might want to check on eBay.

Here is a link to a place that has them...not cheap but has the original type.

http://www.new-datsun-parts.com/datsun-240Z-parts-interior2.html

DATSUN 280Z 5 SPD SHIFT BALL

FITS FROM 1975 TO 1983 MODELS

PART: ZIN15 $116.00 US. *

That's not the OEM knob for a 78 280Z. It will fit but it's not the correct one. I've never been impressed with any business dealings I've had with that seller either. In three different instance he has told me he could get a particular part only to discover that months later, he couldn't. And 'not cheap' would be the understatement of the year. I'd look elsewhere. (JMO)

From the 78 brochure:

From my 78:

I have one from a Black Pearl...It looks like the one in the picture above. It is in pretty good condition...I will sell it for $115.00 and I will pay the shipping...

Seriously, I would like to find a blue one...so I would be willing to part with this one if you really need it. It is not perfect, but it is pretty darn good. I would be willing to deal. If you want to make me an offer...PM me

If your car is a 4 speed then the center of the shift knob is green instead of red.

That is true. He didn't say whether his car is a 4 or 5 speed.

Here's where I picked up one for under $25:

http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/CTGY/SSK

Those actually look better than Carl Jaeger's $116 knob (New-Datsun-Parts) but it's still not the stock shifter knob that hoboos280z asked about.

thanks much to all for the feedback. Sorry, I didn't mention it's a 5 speed.

$115 is definately "a little" pricey. I'll PM het976 and keep looking on eBay.

thanks again to all,

Steve

I was checking out thier 74-78 Dash's they quote $21XX.00 - same at Motorsport is $13XX.00. That is some hard price differences for identical products.

I was checking out thier 74-78 Dash's they quote $21XX.00 - same at Motorsport is $13XX.00. That is some hard price differences for identical products.

He's proud of his stuff alright. Here's another source for shift knobs, these around $15:

http://www.zzxdatsun.com/