New Shift Knob (Automatic)

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

I was team woodgrain until the view of the cluster bezel. Now I'm not so sure.

I think it creates a bright point in the interior, similar to the chrome door releases. The wood sort of blends in.

The silver looks odd against the tan itself.

Does it though? I think it works. Think of Lincoln interiors of the early 2000s; they were full of silver trim regardless of interior color.

What about painting to match the door cards?

Nah. That would be very similar to the faux suede overlay I started out with. Too much of the same (color).

Or the wooden bezel as Matt suggested.

The difficult part would be finding appropriate donor wood in that size.

 

[XR7-4.6]

Does it though? I think it works. Think of Lincoln interiors of the early 2000s; they were full of silver trim regardless of interior color.

View attachment 5521

Early-mid 2000s is what metallic silver interior accents remind me of, and I can’t say I’m a fan of that era at all. Brighter silver especially , which reminds me of the Chrysler interiors of the time



Yuck.

The wood is much more original and visually interesting. I’m with Irv silver looks like a toaster, I had it silver in mine for a spell and never put words to why I got rid of it but that’s it.

Wood works for me precisely for the reason that it does blend in a little, stock black is dull, silver is too bright and wood is just right.

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

Hmmm. I don't necessarily hate that period. I will say I'd prefer chrome over silver, but I don't hate the silver.

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

If I find another suitable donor wood piece, I can see myself doing it again, but doing it better.

 

[XR7-4.6]

Hmmm. I don't necessarily hate that period. I will say I'd prefer chrome over silver, but I don't hate the silver.

The silver used in car interiors at the time just remind me of cheap boom boxes



I don’t hate silver as an accent but not a metallic paint. Simulated or actual metal with brushed, spun etc appearance can richen things up, but metallic silver looks spray bombed no matter the context, it was as cheap to execute for the manufacturers as it looks.

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

Toasters...boom boxes...what have I done?

I still like it!

But I do have one more idea. Since this is now a completely flat piece, the possibility of leather wrapping comes back into play. I could cover both sides with leather, then baseball stitch through the openings. I may do some testing...

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

Well, I experimented some more, this time with automotive's single most hated trim: piano black.

I know, it'll scratch (already did some), it'll catch dust and finger prints, etc...

But on the plus side, it adds a modern vibe, and it's thus far the closest to what I really want, which is chrome. I was actually thinking about doing this with an acrylic mirror to get the chrome effect, but none was available locally. Then I came across this black acrylic at Hobby Lobby and decided to give it a try.

Note that I made both openings narrower at 9/16"; previously the left was 5/8" and the right 3/4". Definitely my favorite look so far.

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

Went back to the wood shift knob. It's a never-ending story.

 

[XR7-4.6]

Went back to the wood shift knob. It's a never-ending story.

View attachment 6568

I know what it’s like, I go from black ball knob to white knob to T handle at least twice a month

 

[MadMikeyL]

I know what it’s like, I go from black ball knob to white knob to T handle at least twice a month

Just keep them all in the center console? Change it at a traffic light?

 

[XR7-4.6]

Just keep them all in the center console? Change it at a traffic light?

Storage pouch in the passenger SC seat.

I have lol

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

I just felt that with the new, somewhat more "blingy" shift bezel, the wood fit in better. I prefer the ergonomics of a thumb button, but I prefer the look and feel of wood.

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

Today I took a saw to my car and cut 1.5" off...the shift knob. Now I have a short-throw. Sporty!

For comparison, here is a  before pic:

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

And here's the new look.

 

[Rodeo Joe]

Today I took a saw to my car and cut 1.5" off...the shift knob.

Ok, my eyes aren't what they used to be. Did you cut the shift knob or the shaft?

Joe

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

@Rodeo Joe
I cut the metal rod. That was the only way to lower the LS shift knob.

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

I've been wanting to do this for a while. But since it's irreversible, I waited to be absolutely sure.

 

[Zep5.0]

I would have gone 3/4",

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

Here are a few more pics in proper sunlight, which brings out the interior better. I love the new look; it's the way the LS shift knob is supposed to sit.

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

I'm experimenting with a new idea for the perfect shift bezel.

Still a piano black look, but instead of using black acrylic, this would be clear acrylic painted black from behind.

This would allow me to present the PRND21 without cutting a hole. There would simply not be any paint in that area. The result would be a totally flush, smooth surface.

This is a very rough trial, but you get the idea.

 

[XR7-4.6]

I'm experimenting with a new idea for the perfect shift bezel.

Still a piano black look, but instead of using black acrylic, this would be clear acrylic painted black from behind.

This would allow me to present the PRND21 without cutting a hole. There would simply not be any paint in that area. The result would be a totally flush, smooth surface.

This is a very rough trial, but you get the idea.

View attachment 7527

I was actually going to suggest something to that effect. You can actually get some pretty wild results with blending black (including the shift display) into clear acrylic using CA glue(superglue)

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

Looks good so far. But now the paint has to really harden before I can continue.

I'm happy with my current setup, but this may be that tiny bit better...

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

Fitting stage. Looks good so far...

 

[Generalee0527]

I've been looking at the 1967 bezel as a possible replacement. Something different.

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

I've been looking at the 1967 bezel as a possible replacement. Something different.

What does it look like?

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

Voilà:

 

[XR7-4.6]

Voilà:

It’ll be a commitment but if you try the superglue trick I mentioned the black from the stock display piece will blend seamlessly into the painted area, all you’d see are the PRND12 and indicator without the masked rectangular cutout. The superglue acts as a transparent filler.

 

[Grog6]

If you want chrome, model/hobby stores have self-adhesive chrome strips that can be trimmed easily. I use them on rockets. It keeps the fins from burning off over mach.

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

It’ll be a commitment but if you try the superglue trick I mentioned the black from the stock display piece will blend seamlessly into the painted area, all you’d see are the PRND12 and indicator without the masked rectangular cutout. The superglue acts as a transparent filler.

I like the idea...but I'd have to experiment a bit first with leftover parts to get comfortable with the procedure. To be honest, I fear superglue. Just the other day I accidentally spilled some all over my hand; that stuff is horrible.

It would be nice for it to blend in, but I think even with the rectangle this looks amazing! I mean sorry to toot my own horn...but this looks factory and then some!

Meanwhile, I made a small adjustment: I installed it over springs. This produces a nice snug fit with the rubber gasket of the console panel.