How to change your shifter thread pattern (many pics)

[brink]

I finally got my skunk2 shift knob, today. Apparently even to this day, after 2 months of waiting, they're still 2 weeks backordered. Oh well, I got mine.

On topic, the issue with this knob is its thread pattern is 10x1.5 (honda/acura) while the gen4 camry is 12x1.25 (incidentally, that's also the skyline thread pattern). Initially I was going to tap out a new pattern in the knob itself, but my inability to find a 12x1.25 tap and being kind of leary about marring the surface, I decided to change the shifter's thread pattern.


So, I purchased a die like this. I also got some cutting oil.




Having a Voltron blanket taped to the shifter is essential.




No pics of this, but I started off by filing down the old threads most of the way with a dremel, as well as tapering in the top so that the die would fit. This is beneficial cause otherwise you just can't get the thread started. Also, filing off the old threads keeps it from crossthreading, though with cutting off 2mm that really shouldn't be much of an issue.


This is it halfway done.




You want to really use the cutting oil (or something similar) cause you run the risk of breaking off the die teeth if you don't. Plus it's a hell of a lot easier to cut the thread. As well, you should follow the instructions with the die... for each 1/2 turn down, go back 1/4 turn. This helps clear the shavings away. I did it 1/4 turn then 1/2, and relube after one revolution. Trying to make it relatively smooth. If you're going to do this, at the very end before cleaning up do a test fit... you may get lucky, but most likely the threads will be cut such that when you screw the knob on, everything is upside-down. I had to cut an extra half-turn to make everything look kosher.


All done!



What it used to be like



And why the Voltron towel is essential




The gear lettering is actually red. I think my redeye reduction messed with the colors here







Need to figure out what I'm gonna do with that boot. I can easily make it come up to meet the knob, but it makes the whole thing look phallic, which is not what I'm going for

Pretty easy thing to do, though physically difficult. Plus side is now I can fit any honda/acura shift knob on my shifter -- which is a bonus seeing as how there aren't that many camry knobs available.

Anyway, hope that's all understandable.

[brink]

Other related pictures

Part number in case you're interested. There's also a 10x1.25 model for toyota celicas, I believe.


Old shift knob vs. new

[project trueno]

haha neat, you even weighed the shift knobs too

[Silver Streak]

Great thread! Although I'll never need it for my slushbox, like you said, it's good for the people who want more variety for their knobs....

It'll probably knock off 0.0000001 seconds off 1/4 mile.....

[wedge]

Nice work dude.
It actually looks professionally done.

[brink]

Heh, thanks. Yeah, I'm real pleased with how well it turned out. The threads are smooth to the point where you can just spin the knob down on them. Don't have to work at it on any rough spots.

I really like this heavier, more solid feel. May be placebo, but it feels like my shifts are smoother. It's kind of a joy to change gears now

Only thing that really sucks is since it's solid steel, it's frickin' cold in the morning

[wedge]

Originally posted by brink

I really like this heavier, more solid feel. May be placebo, but it feels like my shifts are smoother. It's kind of a joy to change gears now

Only thing that really sucks is since it's solid steel, it's frickin' cold in the morning

I know exactly what you mean about shifting smoother. I don't think it's just in our heads. When I installed my stainless steel momo knob. I think the extra weight on the end of the shift lever gives it a bit more momentum when shifting, so it doesn't stick as much when crossing through the centre of the H-pattern. It just helps to remove some of that nochyness.

I also know exactly when you mean about being cold in the morning! Try grabbing on to that thing at 6:00am in a -30degree Canadian winter!

[Ratko]

Awesome thread

This will be STICKY'd somewhere!!

[Deep]

Originally posted by wedge

I also know exactly when you mean about being cold in the morning! Try grabbing on to that thing at 6:00am in a -30degree Canadian winter!

Or +35 in the summer

[brink]

Right. Summer will be... interesting.


I guess I should add how one uses the die. It's pretty simple. Basically the arms of the cross have tapered grooves on the inside. You put the side marked "Start This Side" down and twist it onto the shifter rod. Essentially, you screw it down and as it moves it cuts a new thread. The circular areas are to catch the metal shavings. As I said before, follow the instructions for lubrication and backing the die to remove shavings, i.e. screw down 1/4 turn, back it 1/2 turn etc.

I used a crescent wrench to turn, but there's an actual tool that fits over the die with cross arms to make it easier to turn it. I just didn't want to spend the extra 15 bucks when I could improvise with a tool I already owned.

[Jimmy Hoffa]

Nice work. I have the same gap in between the knob and shifter boot on my car. I'm planning on getting one of those old school black rubber accordion style shifter boots. Or a nomex one (keeps the fire out) can't go wrong with nomex.

j/k about getting a nomex shifter boot. I think they're like 100 bucks US.