Assembling Shifter Onto Shift Rod

[Clatter]

Hi,

Years later, my Fastback project is finally coming together.

Having a conundrum with assembly.
How do you get the ball at the bottom of the shifter into the socket at the end of the shift rod?
:confused:

http://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/1335143.jpg

What am i missing?
I'm sure there's something dumb I'm unable to figure out...

Thanks,
Steve

[rioprelude]

I previously installed the 901 Bug@5speed setup with a beetle shift rod, modified to accept the Porsche 901 shift coupler. My shifter ball was white instead of green, but it dropped right in without issue. If you need to adjust the length of the ball so that it reaches the socket, I believe you can remove the e-clip/pin holding the shift handle to the shift assembly, to help test fit the shift rod and shifter together.