Shift knob modification

Sharing my modification to the shift knob.

Our T5 shifters are threaded as M12 x 1.75 (course pitch). I found a Dewhel knob but couldn't find a boot retainer/adapter to take up the space between the knob and the boot. I used a Dewhel boot retainer/adapter threaded as M12 x 1.25 (fine pitch) but it has a shoulder intended to attach to the boot. I cut off the shoulder and tapped the threads to 1.75 pitch. The retainer is only threaded at the top 1/2" so it's easy to tap. The retainer holds the knob in place and the boot stays tight to the retainer because it's held in place by something behind it on the shifter (the boot is bottomed out).

That looks cool,thanks for sharing it!!

Looks great!!

I took the easy wat out 20 or so years ago. Got a brand new leather shift knob for a 2000 or so Mustang from Ford for around $25. Perfect fit.

I also made some modifications to my shift knob. I used a "Bullit" style but was never happy with the shank visible underneath the knob. What I did was take off the shift boot, turn it inside out, and remove the round rubber grommet that forms the upper part of the boot. It is kind of sealed to the leather boot, but pulls away easily, I then forced the rubber ring around the shift knob base, then re-applied the leather around the ring. As the shift knob is now basically attached to the shift boot and plate, it can be a pain if you need to remove for any reason, but not that big of a deal.

A 5 speed swap is coming for my car and I'm down to only needing a couple of items but I'm still not sure what I'm going to do for a knob. This gives me some ideas.

the bullit style seem to have a smaller shoulder on the lower part which makes it easier to get the rubber ring from the shift boot around it.
https://lmr.com/item/LRS-7213A/mustang-b...-knob-7904

Years ago I picked up a new leather shift knob for a mid 2000s Muatang GT from the local Ford dealer for around $40 or so. Perfect fit on my Steeda TriAx shifter and feels good in my hand.