How the heck does the band with the cotter key around the gear box work?
I have spun it both ways and it does not slacken?

Stumpted? do you trash it an get anther one?

Just went through this... I bought a 6 inch hose clamp and never looked back. Once it came apart, I was confused.

that hose clamp idea sounds like a good replacement

It should be crimped like the stock fuel hose clamps at the injectors were.

I use a small screw driver and unfold the crimped section so it loosens up...then unhook the clipped together part.

Installation is in reverse...hook up the hooks again then I use a nail puller or a pair of wire cutters to gently crimp it again.

Rich

Does anybody remember the cans that ham and roast/corned beef used to come in? There was a small metal key tacked to the top. You snapped off the key, pried up a small tab on the side, threaded the tab through the slot in the key, then rotated the key which separated a band around the can which wound around the key. That is what the band around the shift console cover remins me of. Ham and beef!

Maybe too long ago.

That would be Spam in a Can

Zip tie(s) works, just get it tight. Not concourse but...

The metal strap can be "un-wound" at the key, however, be very cautious when working with it. The threading can be tricky so take pictures as you remove it for future reference. It was not meant to take many windings and will break. If concours is not your thing then a large hose clamp (or several smaller ones) works just fine.