Got my car & need cosmetic advice regarding Gear Knob

[Carlos A]

I finally bought a 1970 Lotus Elan + 2. Yeahhhhhhh (pic)

It will be in its way home in two weeks. One of the things I really do not like about the car is the Gear Knob. It looks to me like a faded repro (see pics). Yes, I am a particular guy. I will rather have one made, just like the one in my MG (see pic, only round). The thing is, I do not have the car with me right know and the knob maker in England is asking me a couple of questions. Let me quote him:

?Yes I can make you the gear knob, I would like to have made it a bit better price still for you but I will most likely have to make a threaded insert for the knob to go on the gear lever shaft .If I can use one of my stock inserts I will be able to reduce the price a little. I will need to know the thread type and size for the knob, if you could check that please and also can you confirm the approximate diameter etc you want this made too.?

I am clueless. Can you guys help me?

[archigator]

There's a great variety of shift knobs available from the So-Cal Speed Shop... not likely to win you the concours d'elegance however.

http://www.so-cal-az.com/category.aspx?id=34

They have various-sized threaded adapters for most all of their knobs.

Gary
'71 Elan Sprint
Miami, FL

[Carlos A]

Dear Gary: Thanks. Marble is not really my cup of tea. I have a person who will make it in BURR WOOD. I want something similar to the one I have in my MG or the one in the pic (Jaguar). But I need to answer the knob maker (regarding thread type and size for the knob)...

[garyeanderson]

Try 5/16 inch x 24 threads per inch

Gary

[tower of strength]

Carlos, the Knob on the car looks original, however most people seem to like them stained and laquered. I think you'll find the thread is 3/8 UNC but don't hold me to that!!

Tasty looking car by the way

Mark

[1964 S1]

Hello Carlos,
Mark is right, that's an original knob, looks just like my +2.
Dilema = original with beautiful 37 year old patina or personal preference.
Eric

[reb53]

Carlos,
Yep, that's an original all right.

Mine looked the same until I dipped it in varnish, let the excess drip off and then let it dry over a heater.
Took a while to dry but after doing it a couple of times it ended up looking just like the Jag one you've pictured.
i.e. all the colour came back and it had a nice deep gloss.

Ralph.

[Alex]

Hi,

The thread is 5/16 UNF and the diameter of the knob should be 1.75 inches. I know this as I am a wood turner by hobby and have just made an Ash gear knob for a friends +2 I am re-building. I have another blank, with insert fitted, ready to turn.

Regards,

Alex

[Carlos A]

Thanks Mark: I never had a red car before. I would have preferred black, green or blue, but after I saw four different cars, I followed my mechanic's advice: I ignored my color preferences and went for the best one mechanically speaking. The engine was rebuild by Dave Bean and has only 800 miles since rebuilt. The engine is extremely strong. Compression is perfect. Interior is very nice and complete. Paint /body is 8/10 with no cracks (it was painted 9 years ago). Chassis had no rust, distortion or cracks and it was cleaned and painted by former owner. The car has some flaws: the rear bumper is dull and needs re-chroming. There are a couple of minor mechanical things such as the slooooow electric windows and the radiator which will need to be replaced in the near future. Besides these things, it is in superb condition. I checked it, and then I hired a mechanic that spent 2 ? hours inspecting it. It comes with documentation, pictures and receipts that can fill the trunk...And talking about the trunk: the car is missing the spare tire and jack.

Gary and Alex: you seem to be right. Thanks for the info. As soon as I get the knob I will post pictures. Mark, Ralph and Eric: I will save the original knob. That way, I can always put it back. Alex: Thanks for the info. Do you have pics?