Delrin Shift Knob - LotusTalk

MacMan · 09-17-2009, 11:48 PM

Swapped out that hot, sharp (where the shift pattern is cut out) factory aluminum shift knob for a new delrin knob. Much better! Just put it in tonight and shot this photo in the garage. Haven't driven with it yet, but I had a similar one in my Corvette and loved it so I'm excited about this one. Knob feels silky to the touch and is very nicely machined.

JWA · 09-18-2009, 12:45 AM

Looks nice. Is it slightly smaller than the stock knob? Where did you get it?

fpitas · 09-18-2009, 05:26 AM

It does look good. And I bet it saves some weight

Walnuts · 09-18-2009, 05:50 AM

Interesting, does it stink up the interior at all on hot days? Delrin has formaldehyde in it and I know if you heat it up too much it'll offgas, I just don't know what that temp is (off the top of my head)

Noel · 09-18-2009, 07:09 AM

Anymore specs on it? (IE - Heavier than OEM knob, countersunk for maximum depth)

Aluminum? Titanium?

JungleJim · 09-18-2009, 07:17 AM

I want one for my black car. I'll just have to remember where reverse is.

MacMan · 09-18-2009, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JWA

Looks nice. Is it slightly smaller than the stock knob? Where did you get it?

It is supposed to be identical to the factory knob. Maybe the black makes it look smaller. Had a local machinist here in SoCal make a bunch up.

MacMan · 09-18-2009, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walnuts

Interesting, does it stink up the interior at all on hot days? Delrin has formaldehyde in it and I know if you heat it up too much it'll offgas, I just don't know what that temp is (off the top of my head)

Crazy. I didn't know that. I've never had any smells come from the delrin knobs though, and have been running them for years.

MacMan · 09-18-2009, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noel

Anymore specs on it? (IE - Heavier than OEM knob, countersunk for maximum depth)

Aluminum? Titanium?

Definitely lighter than stock. Not sure by how much though.

Walnuts · 09-18-2009, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacMan

Crazy. I didn't know that. I've never had any smells come from the delrin knobs though, and have been running them for years.

Yep, we use it at work because it is self-lubricating. Its also probably got something to do with the satiny finish and feel. I doubt it gets hot enough to off-gas, I was just curious as I've never heard of this uesd in anything other than bushings, etc.

Looks VERY nice.

RoadDad · 09-19-2009, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walnuts

Interesting, does it stink up the interior at all on hot days? Delrin has formaldehyde in it and I know if you heat it up too much it'll offgas, I just don't know what that temp is (off the top of my head)

It will keep his shifting hand looking young and well preserved

.

MacMan · 09-19-2009, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JungleJim

I want one for my black car. I'll just have to remember where reverse is.

I'm right there with you. Every car we own has a different shift pattern so I can never remember where reverse is. I put a little aluminum shift pattern plate on the center console.

JWA · 09-19-2009, 05:47 PM

Next you need to make up a matching e-brake handle.

MacMan · 09-20-2009, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JWA

Next you need to make up a matching e-brake handle.

Good point. Should be easy enough to do.

Appleseed · 09-20-2009, 08:14 AM

you said that you had a bunch made? Do you have more? How much are they?

Predator · 10-13-2009, 07:17 PM

Where did you get that aluminum shift pattern decal?? And while we're on the subject, does anyone know who sells shift pattern decals?? I need one in that same pattern as well....

Earache · 10-17-2009, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JWA

Next you need to make up a matching e-brake handle.

I've been working with Delrin for years - mainly motorcycle parts - but have never heard of offgassing. It does have a bit of an odor to it though - I can smell it when it's turning in the lathe.

I made some e-brake handles for friends here in Indy...

OEM, Delrin and aluminum (left to right)

Have also made some shift balls out of wood. Haven't made the insert portion yet though. This one was turned from maple and I'm making an e-brake handle to match. They'll be coated in urethane after staining so that the wood grain stands out more. The grain gets kinda blurred from finish sanding. The wood ball will have an aluminum insert in it, like this one I put in the steel shift ball...

MacMan · 10-17-2009, 02:03 PM

Neat! I kind of like wood shift knobs. I don't know why.

MacMan · 10-17-2009, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Appleseed

you said that you had a bunch made? Do you have more? How much are they?

Yeah, I had a small batch made, since you have to pay for the machine set up costs even if you just make one. Spreading the cost out makes more sense. Had some threaded for the elise, and some threaded for the exige. $30. Give me a shout if you want one and we'll work out the details.

Earache · 10-17-2009, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacMan

Neat! I kind of like wood shift knobs. I don't know why.

I not a real fan of them unless you have an old MG or something, but they are kinda different and get ride of the hot/cold knob issue.
PM your address to me and I'll toss an e-brake handle in the mail to you if you want one to match your shift knob.

09-17-2009, 11:48 PM	#1 (permalink)
MacMan Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 48	Delrin Shift Knob Swapped out that hot, sharp (where the shift pattern is cut out) factory aluminum shift knob for a new delrin knob. Much better! Just put it in tonight and shot this photo in the garage. Haven't driven with it yet, but I had a similar one in my Corvette and loved it so I'm excited about this one. Knob feels silky to the touch and is very nicely machined. __________________ 08 Isotope Green S240 97 Viper with Paxton 72 Detomaso Pantera V8 Miata

09-18-2009, 05:26 AM	#3 (permalink)
fpitas User, Registered Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Leesburg, VA Posts: 1,827	It does look good. And I bet it saves some weight __________________ Francis 2006 Chrome Orange Elise: LSD/TC, Nitron SAs with 425/650 springs, BWR 7/8" Front Bar, Eliseparts bumpsteer kit, VF Stage 2, 2bular Header + Sport Cat + 8x24 GT3 Muffler, ECU Tune by Jermaine, Smaay's fuel rail, ACT XT clutch, Saikou Michi dual catch can, Moroso pan, Manly's mount inserts & FF Engine Damper 2000 Black Integra Type R: - 213,000 miles...running again!

09-18-2009, 05:50 AM	#4 (permalink)
Walnuts happy motoring! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: MD, USA Posts: 573	Interesting, does it stink up the interior at all on hot days? Delrin has formaldehyde in it and I know if you heat it up too much it'll offgas, I just don't know what that temp is (off the top of my head) __________________ ~Rich 2006 Lotus Exige: GG

09-18-2009, 07:17 AM	#6 (permalink)
JungleJim Left Lane Assasin Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Norwalk, CT Posts: 121 Images: 12	I want one for my black car. I'll just have to remember where reverse is. __________________ 2007 Exige-All Black and Mean, Factory TouringPak/TrackPak/StarShield/LSD/TractionControl/iPodDock. All stock but not for long. v = square root ((2 * e) / m)

09-20-2009, 08:14 AM	#15 (permalink)
Appleseed Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Jesup, GA Posts: 266	you said that you had a bunch made? Do you have more? How much are they? __________________ 2008 GG Elise (needs black wheels) 2008 Gray Prius (wifey) 1998 Jag XK8 (traded on Elise) Thank God! Last edited by Appleseed : 09-20-2009 at 10:16 AM.

09-18-2009, 12:45 AM	#2 (permalink)
JWA #33 Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Racine, WI Posts: 3,737	Looks nice. Is it slightly smaller than the stock knob? Where did you get it?

09-18-2009, 07:09 AM	#5 (permalink)
Noel Exige Cup 255 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: 33.87°S 151.21°E Car: ロータス MKII エキシージ Type: Komo-Tec S300 Posts: 326	Anymore specs on it? (IE - Heavier than OEM knob, countersunk for maximum depth) Aluminum? Titanium?

09-19-2009, 05:47 PM	#13 (permalink)
JWA #33 Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Racine, WI Posts: 3,737	Next you need to make up a matching e-brake handle.

10-13-2009, 07:17 PM	#16 (permalink)
Predator Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Miami Beach, FL Posts: 131	Where did you get that aluminum shift pattern decal?? And while we're on the subject, does anyone know who sells shift pattern decals?? I need one in that same pattern as well.... __________________ The Predator "To Hear is to Doubt, To See is to Deceive, but to Feel is to Believe..." Rossion Q1 MINI Cooper S Custom Mercedes CLK-430 Conv. Nissan Pathfinder (The 'Clark Kent' car) Anniv. Ed. Lotus Esprit V8 #094/100 - DECEASED

10-17-2009, 02:03 PM	#18 (permalink)
MacMan Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 48	Neat! I kind of like wood shift knobs. I don't know why. __________________ 08 Isotope Green S240 97 Viper with Paxton 72 Detomaso Pantera V8 Miata

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