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.
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Having a Voltron blanket taped to the shifter is essential.
![Image]()
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.
![Image]()
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!
![Image]()
What it used to be like
![Image]()
And why the Voltron towel is essential
![Image]()
The gear lettering is actually red. I think my redeye reduction messed with the colors here
![Image]()
![Image]()
![Image]()
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.
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.
