Would people buy these shift knobs?

do you think having the widest point closer to the top would be a better feel with the auto as well?

 

I think so, similar to how the stock auto knob widens towards the top.

How something feels in the hand is pretty subjective but I figure if your dimensions and proportions aren’t a wild departure from OEM it’ll probably be just fine since people aren’t changing their knobs on a daily basis as is.

 

Update for everyone interested:

Wont be able to get working on the knobs this weekend. Making a knob that screws on and stays tight has been proving far more difficult than imagined. mine on my truck, is able to just tighten down onto the metal ring that holds the shift boot. when that metal ring isnt there for support, then i need a threadlock to have it be tight.
then, putting a shift pattern into the equation, and needing to have that not be upside down makes it even more difficult.

this is our plan for the insert. itll be a brass threaded insert, with 2 (or 4 if needed) tapped holes with nylon rod protruding into the thread similar to a nylock nut. the reason i dont just insert a nylock nut is because i want the hole i drill into the wood shift knob to be as small as possible. it would mean a nicer cleaner finish.

ive ordered nylon rod, and it should come in next week and then we may start prototyping.

heres the rough drawn insert diagram
the sizing on it of course will change for the 5speed and 8mm auto.

hope to get this rolling asap!

edit: if i were making one for just me, id skip the nylon rod and just use the weakest loctite. not sure how buyers would feel about that though.

 

A. I wouldn’t be opposed to installing with Blue Loctite.

B. Why not do what the factory does and use a threaded nylon insert? Ought to be cheaper than brass, should work like a really long Nylock nut, and if it’s strong enough for Toyota I’d give it consideration.

 

Or, keep the brass insert, make it flush with the bottom of the knob, use a thin jam nut to secure it in place. Don’t know how that works for the manual trans and it’s boot but there is no boot on the auto.

 

i did not know that they use a nylon insert... definitely very good to know.

ive been thinking about this, but wasnt sure how itd look fit and finish. both great ideas, and either one may be the answer. to prototyping!

 

here’s the ES300, ES330 Lexus knob. When compared to stock Tacoma they are same size same feel.

 

here’s a different idea we used on the X runner.

 

I'm not looking for a knob. just selling some handcrafted knobs, thanks.

 

Where ya get that wood one from

 

I spy a Subaru legacy. 2.5 turbo?

 

it's my brothers 2008 outback N/A... turbo would be more fun!

 

I asked cause I had a legacy with an identical interior

 

yeah, subaru copy and pasted a couple interiors over the years haha

 

Yes I know, this is just a fraction of your competition. That white knob also comes in black with white shift pattern. What I don’t see offered is a true wood pistol grip cut at angle like early 70s Mopar. I’d pay up for a nice pistol grip. This could be a high end item. One other thought then I’ll leave this.

consider a recessed knob which would mimic a short shifter. I agree there is a market for custom made products made in USA. Ever heard of seat jackers? I really do wish you success in this endeavor.

 

thank you. The recessed knob is an idea I could work with. Currently sorting out making a quality, basic wooden one. I love to focus on quality before quantity, so maybe down the road once I've mastered this. The pistol grip is not something I'd be able to turn as it is not symmetrical, and may feel weird if it were. I'm sorry but theres only so much a kid can do as he progresses his woodturning skills!

 

You might try a Dremel tool, rotary sander, to get different shapes and detail work. I really believe there’s a market for custom high end non factory items.

 

Maybe I could find one out of a junkyard Lexus, mass produced by Chinese children for 1.7 cents a piece covered with a toxic coating.

On the other hand, there’s this guy here in America, hand crafting with pride these beautiful shift knobs, asking for feedback beforehand.

For several reasons, I choose the second option.