Gear Shift Knob question

[S2000dude]

Anyone know the thread size of S2000's gear shift knob?

Can an old MG gear shift knob fit the S?

Thanks!

[Java Junky]

Ahhh, dude . . I really like your thinkin'.
As I recall, all things British from the "way-back-when" era had their own world-defyin' idea of threads-per. (No offense Fletch, n' the rest of our brothers from the other side'a the pond. We surely loved 'em dearly enough to put up with 'em, but I probably wouldn't be drinkin' as much r' be as thin on top if it wasn't for havin' to contend with the "eccentric" dimensions included in ownin' English a'rn for any length of time)
While I can't quote the specific thread of Stewie's shifter, I can tell you that rethreadin' the MG unit to whatever size is required (provided there's enough meat left to take the abuse involved in shiftin') has been done on many an occassion.
But, as neat an idea as it is, if the shift knob's any kind of an heirloom, might it not be better preserved on a plaque on your desk r' somethin', while a similar, properly-threaded Momo does the duty?
But usin' your ol' MG knob . . that's a classy wayda go.
Be well.
Java

[S2000dude]

Java - yes indeedie, I really loved the MGBs from the 60's so I thought I'd pay homage to that classic marque buy having a shifter knob with MG sitting on top in my S2000.

I see on the internet that they make new ones, some in walnut (which is my preference), black leather, etc. I think I'll go that route so if I screw up this little project I will not haved killed an a genuine walnut MG knob !

[Java Junky]

"You have chosen wisely" dude.
In my opinion anyway.
Be well.
Java

[Scooterboy]

I do not have an MG knob, but I made my own. It is a beutiful piece of solid walnut and I love it.

BTW, the thread is 10mm x 1.5

David...

[S2000dude]

Thanks Dave, that's a big help.

[Scooterboy]

One frustrating thing I found when making mine was that no one mades an insert in that size. I had to modify one to match the thread. It took a little experimentation but I finally got it. I made the knob the same shape as the OEM knob. It has a good feel and does not get blistering hot like the OEM knob. I don't understand how anyone can stand a metal capped or totally metal knob. You freeze your hand in the winter and burn your hand during the summer.

[Java Junky]

Aaay Scoot, I was whinin' about the shifter knob in the summer some time back. 'Hands've gotten toasted a couple'a times n' they're a little sensitive now. 'Always nice to know it's not jus' me.
As for the use of Walnut . . extremely classy. No way you could tap a brass ferrule to the proper thread? Walnut n' brass. 'Might be a little too classy for li'l Stewie.
Next thing ya know you'll be lookin' for Walnut burl to do the dash n' door panels. If ya ain't careful you'll be drivin' from the right side of the cockpit, pullin' in for petrol, with a pipe clamped firmly in your teeth n' one'a those thoroughly British drivin' caps.
(Geez I miss my 'Healey)
Be well.
Java

[S2000dude]

Hey Scoot, I wish I had the talent to work in wood and make a gear shift knob like you have done. Wait a minute, I think I'm seeing your future, yes, there it is .....making wooden gear shift knobs for S2000 owners ! LOL.

Back to reality - I think matching the thread size is going to be the real challenge. I can't get acurate info from these mail order places on the MG walnut babies. But I ain't giving up !

Anyway you can post a photo of that Shift knob you made?

[Scooterboy]

Originally Posted by Java Junky

If ya ain't careful you'll be drivin' from the right side of the cockpit, pullin' in for petrol, with a pipe clamped firmly in your teeth n' one'a those thoroughly British drivin' caps.
(Geez I miss my 'Healey)
Be well.
Java

I haven't caught myself driving on the right yet (except when I am passing everything on the road) and definitly no pipe but I do have a tweed driving cap. OH LORD Im turnin' into a brit.

David...

[Scooterboy]

Originally Posted by S2000dude

Anyway you can post a photo of that Shift knob you made?

I'll get a picture tomorrow. I haven't posted a picture on this site yet. We will see how it goes.

David...

[BabyItsaFact]

Wow, I hadn't even though aboout that metal knob heating up in the sun. . . time to fire up the ole lathe . . .curly maple or walnut burl???

[Scooterboy]

Curly maple could be beautiful.

[Scooterboy]

I hope this works. Here are two pictures.





I think that I will take it off this weekend and cleaning up.

[Scooterboy]

Obviously it did not work. Can anybody post instructions of how to post pictures. I have them in my album if anybody wants to see them.

[Java Junky]

Babe, a lathe isn't the only option: a carver's plate could accomplish the same thing, but without the assurance of accurate roundness. If you're lookin' for a little more ergonomically- correct shape, I think the carver's plate'd serve you better.
N' curly maple r' anything that's burl-heavy is pretty, but you godda watch that it's not gonna be prone to structural failure. The straight grain may not be as pretty, but it's more structurally sound if you're gonna use it for anything that's gonna take abuse. Ya antes up, ya takes yer chances, right?
Oh, n' Scoot . . I've got a tweed cap too. Wuz me da's.
Be well guys.
Java

[desmo4]

Originally Posted by Scooterboy

One frustrating thing I found when making mine was that no one mades an insert in that size. I had to modify one to match the thread. It took a little experimentation but I finally got it. I made the knob the same shape as the OEM knob. It has a good feel and does not get blistering hot like the OEM knob. I don't understand how anyone can stand a metal capped or totally metal knob. You freeze your hand in the winter and burn your hand during the summer.

I manufactured black walnut shift knobs and sold them (at cost ) to folks on the other site. I found inserts which work well but require some special tools to install them. I also on my own car ran a threading die on the shift shaft and added a few more threads. Then I cut off about 1/4" from the top of the shifter.

Jonathan

[kgf3076]

Originally Posted by desmo4

I manufactured black walnut shift knobs and sold them (at cost ) to folks on the other site. I found inserts which work well but require some special tools to install them. I also on my own car ran a threading die on the shift shaft and added a few more threads. Then I cut off about 1/4" from the top of the shifter.

I have one of Jonathan's walnut shift knobs and it's a piece of art. It brings back memories of all the esoteric (can anyone say Lucas Electronic?) British hardware I've owned and driven.