Ball Compass Shift Knob Idea

Hello! I'm new here and I've got an idea for a custom made ball compass shift knob.

Turns out it wasn't as original of an idea as I had once thought. After some searching, I found this thread here which details pretty much the exact thing I'm trying to make.

Essentially a liquid filled ball compass would act as the ball of a shift knob, rotating with the vehicle and always pointing North when the machine settles.

I've tried gathering information through the original idea thread to no avail (its about 5 yrs old now) and thought I would open a new one to gather ideas.

I've got a hold on how to make the base by calling in a few favors at my local metal working shop, but the problem I'm running into is finding the right ball compass. The one in the original thread looks adequate so I have a few questions.

• What is a good brand of compass that fits what I'm trying to do?
• How would I separate the ball from the housing? I can only find ball compass in a housing ready for mounting. Can I somehow get a standalone product without housing?
• Any further suggestions on creating the base? Machinery needed? (Lathe, etc.)
• What binding agent should I use to seal compass to base?
• Has anyone else ever done this? If so, did it turn out well? Did it hold up over time?

Any information you can provide is appreciated. I'm sure I'll get this built eventually, but your help could quicken the process!

If you need to know anything else, let me know.

Thanks!

P.S.- The target vehicle is not my Tacoma, but an offroad-ready 2016-17 Ford Focus RS MK3. Thread pitch is

$13 M12x1.25 mm Self-Locking Nylon Insert Hex Lock Nuts, Pack of 6

M12x1.25.