Page 1 of 2

Wooden Shift Knob

Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2022 1:52 pm
by Brianhk45
I wanted to make a new shift knob for my GT4. Something special as a dedication to my father.
So I ordered a beautiful piece of Goncalo Alves and cranked up the wood lathe. I used the Raceseng shifter adapter which is 19mm fine thread. I drilled a 19mm hole in the wood for the adapter shaft. Then used a 32mm Forstner bit to make room for the 19mm nut. Little Epoxy and she was ready to be turned. I finished the wood in Odie's Oil since it has zero chemicals. I used two large rubber O rings to secure the boot on the adapter. It seems to hold really well and not damage the alcantara material.
Little more weight and no plastic to mute the feeling when going through the gears. And the shift knob fits my Ape Hand really well!
It was a blast driving this car last night with the new shift knob.
The pen was made from the same piece of wood. Thought it was cool to have a pen to match my shifter.
Hope you enjoy the pics.
Brian

Re: Wooden Shift Knob

Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2022 6:44 pm
by Tom
Very nice! Kind of like the laminated 917 shifter, but a bit more elegant with the naturally layered wood. I must admit, I've never heard of Goncalo Alves...(aka Tigerwood per google), but it's a perfect choice for this.... I bet you could sell those if you wanted. :)

p.s. off-topic, but how did you get your Sports Chrono bezel black like that? Do they come that way on the GT4 or did you paint it?

Re: Wooden Shift Knob

Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2022 2:43 am
by Brianhk45
Thank you sir. 917 is one of my favorite cars.

This is the first time I worked with Goncalo Alves. My favorites are Cocobolo, OliveWood, Black Walnut and Maple Burl.

The bezel came black from the factory. I haven’t touched it.

Re: Wooden Shift Knob

Posted: Fri Nov 25, 2022 12:51 pm
by Brianhk45
I found some pretty OliveWood to make a little smaller shift knob. Love turning OliveWood. My garage smelled like a restaurant.
I also lowered the mount a little for shorter throws.
Really pleased with this set up now.

Re: Wooden Shift Knob

Posted: Fri Nov 25, 2022 1:00 pm
by Brianhk45
Making her a little different.

Re: Wooden Shift Knob

Posted: Fri Nov 25, 2022 2:29 pm
by snowsenses
Love the olive wood! One of my favorite materials

Re: Wooden Shift Knob

Posted: Fri Nov 25, 2022 3:05 pm
by Brianhk45
Thank you!

Re: Wooden Shift Knob

Posted: Fri Nov 25, 2022 3:58 pm
by Larry C
Brianhk45 wrote: Fri Nov 25, 2022 1:00 pm Making her a little different.
I love it. It’s those little things that count 🤙🏻

Re: Wooden Shift Knob

Posted: Tue Aug 01, 2023 9:53 am
by Brianhk45
Still having fun making different shift knobs for my 4.
After Derek Bell signed my car at the Werks Reunion at Amelia, I decided to do a tribute to the 917 knob using Maple, Black Walnut and Purple Heart.

Re: Wooden Shift Knob

Posted: Tue Aug 01, 2023 9:55 am
by Brianhk45
A few weeks later I found some beautiful Red Mallee Burl.