My DIY Wooden Shift Knob Instructional

My OEM Golf R shift knob started to peel so I started looking for an alternative. The options out there are nice, but not my style. I really wanted a custom wooden shift knob. After looking around I found someone on a Miata forum https://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=601212
that made custom shift knobs, he worked with hardwoods and with a colored plywood called Spectraply https://www.google.ca/search?q=spec...lfXbAhXDy4MKHfHsCWEQ_AUICigB&biw=1366&bih=635
Richard, MyGolf7 on this board was awesome to work with.
I selected Ember Glow and placed the order with a silver ring at the base of the knob and a thread pitch of m12 x 1.5 as it`s the Die I had.

Two weeks later the new shift knob showed up. Here is how I installed it.
I`ll skip how to pull off the shifter and boot as it`s been covered elsewhere.
This is we start.

1. I started by tapping the thread with a Die very slowly with a cutting lubricant to help with the thread.





2. Next I attached the shift boot with a hose clamp


3. Finally I attached the shift knob.



4. The next step will be to do a re calibration of the shifter cables.
here are some photos of the height of it compared to stock. I`m stoked with how it turned out.

That looks awesome! Very well done!

Reminds me of a CGT knob.

Looks great installed, Frazer.

I was surprised that the shift lever wasn't threaded, but the fix was easy. I think that the most difficult part of this project was finding a reliable source for the Spectra Ply.

Rich

So how did you make the wood shift knob?

I make them as a hobby, mostly for Miatas, but also for any other car that has a threaded shift lever. For this shift knob I added an aluminum base, otherwise, they're all wood. They're fun to make & I am happy to help anyone who's interested create their own shift knob.

Here's a few pics of the process before the actual turning.

Epoxying the insert into the block;

IMG_0298 by Richard Velardo, on Flickr

Epoxying the aluminum base onto the block;

IMG_0298 by Richard Velardo, on Flickr

Finished shift knob;

IMG_0308 by Richard Velardo, on Flickr

More pics here; https://www.flickr.com/photos/152108183@N07/albums/72157686627409655

If you're interested, here's a fairly long video showing how to do it.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_scx9Zd2MNc&t=28s

This is really cool! Is it weighted/heavier?

Also, now that the lever is threaded would this cause any issues with going back to an OEM like set up that slides over?

Should not be an issue, I was able to push the old knob back on. The interior of the old knob is plastic and as such can be persuaded if needed.

FB