Shift lever gone wrong, Help! Options

[pib]

I've lurked long enough...time to join in.

I bought a '75 1.8 a few weeks ago...my first 914! I've been happily driving along ever since, with nothing more than a fuse to replace so far.

The car always shifted great, until yesterday. I was driving it home and noticed that the shifter had a little play in it (rotating just a little). By the time I got home, and went for reverse to back into the driveway, the whole lever had spun to the left, and spins freely now.

I took it apart today, and it looks like the shift lever is (or was) welded into the ball at the base of it.

Is this a common problem? Can it just be welded back together, or should I start looking for a replacement?

[pib]

I'm in Monterey. I sent Mueller a PM, accepting his way too kind offer.

I'm just amazed at how helpful everyone around here is.

Not sure I'm ready for a short shift, I've been really happy with the way the car shifts so far, no missed gears, no nicking reverse, none of the other problems I've read about. The biggest problem I've had so far was getting used to where 1st gear is, after years of driving 4 speeds with 1st at the front left. Well, that and finding the rust on my 'rust-free' car.

I've been reading about the Rennshift too, which looks like a pretty cool setup.

I think getting it back together with the stock setup will do it for now. The 914 has been my daily driver since I got it, and will continue to be until we get my wife a new car, and I can re-claim my truck. Then I can put the 914 up on jack stands for a little while and get to a little bit of 'deferred maintenance'.


Thanks,
Pete