A couple of items: one, the HSD definitely shifts easier with the proper shift knob.

Lest I didn’t mention it earlier (several of the Polar Bear group heard the story), after leaving church last Sunday I initially got on I-64 westbound, heading for the Polar Bear start point at the Lewis & Clark Boat House in St Charles.  While transitioning to I-270 NB, the aftermarket shift knob came clean off (the upper part of the shifter broke off, inside the knob).  Figures, the only wood (or at least well simulated wood) item in the truly 1980s, all hard black plastic interior of the TR8, and I had to scrap it.

Well, at least until I get a replacement and re-thread the end of the shift lever.  In the meantime, O’Reilly’s had a reasonably good assortment of reasonably priced shift knobs in the bling aisle.  Have to admit it, I came close to getting one of the neon screaming skull knobs but settled on a more mundane 8-ball.  Don’t tell anyone, it actually looks pretty good.

Second item: it was just too darn nice this weekend not to get out with the LBC, eh?