Gear Knob

[Over Steer]

Hey all;

Does anyone know where i can pick up a wooden (walnut) gearlever knob with lotus logo on top? I'm partial to a "ball" shape rather than the slimmer type.

I've heard that the self threading type found on ebay are not suitable for the 4 speed 'box because of the lift up reverse.

cheers

[Elanintheforest]

Sue Miller has them, with either the black badge or the yellow one, round or pear shaped.

Seems odd that the pear shaped knobs keep selling on eBay for ?80 plus, when Sue sells them for ?30ish.

Mark

[Alex]

I've turned my own up out of ash as I couldn't find any wallnut at the time. It has a press fitted and bonded threaded insert, so works fine for reverse If I can get some wallnut, maybe theres a market out there waiting for me...

Sorry about the quality of the attached photo!

Alex

[Alex]

Here it is!

[peterako]

Seems odd that the pear shaped knobs keep selling on eBay for ?80 plus, when Sue sells them for ?30ish.

Mark

So true of many eBay etc. items.

Always worth calling Sue (or your favourite supplier of choice) first!

Peter

[Alex]

Third and final time....

[Alex]

This might be it now!

[Over Steer]

Great guys, i'll give sue a ring right away.


cheers

[Over Steer]

trust my luck... sue does not have this part in stock at the mo...

so i was thinking of modifying the one shown below by removing the gate pattern (it's wrong anyway as mine is a 4 speeder) and embedding a lotus lapel pin in the top. then giving the whole thing a good layer of clear coat.

any opinions?

[mikealdren]

Jan,
If you want a temporary fix, save the 5 speed knob and sell it on Ebay. I made up a knob for my 4 speed box by turning a piece of wood (I used some old applewood from a tree in the garden!) using an electric drill and a rasp.

First I drilled the mounting hole slightly undersize and screwed in a bolt to cut the correct thread. I then cut the head off the bolt and held the bolt in the drill chuck to turn the knob, it was surprisingly easy. Finish off with coarse then fine sand paper and a couple of coats of varnish and the knob was ready for use.

Mike

[CBUEB1771]

so i was thinking of modifying the one shown below by removing the gate pattern (it's wrong anyway as mine is a 4 speeder) and embedding a lotus lapel pin in the top. then giving the whole thing a good layer of clear coat.

I am not sure that the thread on the Lotus five speed gear lever is the same as on the Ford-based four speed. You should check that before trying to swap the emblems.

[billwill]

I'm pretty sure that the gear knob that I have now, I bought ages ago in a furniture store. Its a decorative knob for a stair bannister.

[Over Steer]

So it seems settled that i'm going to go down the "bespoke" route...
My mum's credenza is going to have to make do with a book instead of one of its legs, she's going to be thrilled about this one.


"Pass the hacksaw rodney..."

[Alex]

The thread for a 4 speed is 5/16 UNF. For the one I made (so far...) on my wood lathe, I first turned down a pair of 5/16UNF nuts so there were no flats, then drilled the centre of my blank slightly under size for the ex-nuts. Then using some composite glue (I work in F1) I bonded the nuts into the blank using a bolt as a press tool. Using the same bolt again, I mounted it in my wood lathe and turned it to suit.

Before using any form of varnish, wipe it clean with acetone or similar to lift the grain, then apply a coat or two of danish oil to bring the grain out.

I need to find some wallnut blanks next...!

Alex

[john.p.clegg]

You have a pm from someone who wants to do a straight swap

John