DIY Gear Knob
Aftermarket shift knobs are available in a variety of styles and materials, including leather, aluminum and carbon fiber and are available from auto parts stores as well as retailers who specialize in aftermarket automotive parts. Shift knobs on cars that have manual transmissions are generally straightforward to remove and replace. Automatic gearbox shift knobs often cannot be upgraded since they use buttons and features relating to shifting the gearbox. It may be possible to make your own shift knob; however, this takes special equipment and expertise.
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Instructions
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1
Remove your existing shift knob. The removal procedure will vary depending on the make and model of car you are working on. Some knobs will simply unscrew by turning them counter clockwise, while others will simply pull of with a hard tug. On some vehicles there may be a small set screw located at the base of the shift knob that needs to be loosened to remove the knob. Consult a workshop manual for your vehicle if you cannot determine how to remove the shift knob.
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2
Install the collar onto the shift lever --- if the new shift knob uses one --- by sliding it over the shift knob. The collar threads onto the bottom of the shift knob after the knob is installed and hides the small set screws that hold the shift knob in place.
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3
Slide the appropriately sized plastic sheath over the shift lever, if the shift knob comes with them. Some shift knobs do not use plastic sheaths, which make the shift lever thicker so that the shift knob fits on more securely. The shift knob will come with a variety of different sizes of plastic sheaths.
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4
Install the shift knob by sliding it onto the shift lever and pressing it down as far as it will go. Tighten the small set screws located on the base of the shift knob. The set screws will usually be Allen head screws and the shift knob will come with a small Allen wrench specifically for tightening the set screws. Tighten the screws until the shift knob is secured firmly to the shift lever. Thread the collar onto the base of the shift knob so that the set screws are concealed.
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Tips & Warnings
To make your own shift knob, you will need to know how to use a metal or wood lathe. You will also need the materials to make the shift knob, such as a block of metal or wood. It is not recommended to make a shift knob, as it could lead to a dangerous situation should the shift knob come off while driving.
