Paint Your Shift Knob's Shift Pattern - LotusTalk

Stan · 09-08-2005, 05:13 AM

A very EZ, cheap, fast tweak. Just used Testor's model paint. Dab it into the engraved shift pattern. Wipe off the excess with a rag with solvent on it. The paint stays in the engraved area. I used red for the alphanumerics and black for the dividing line. You could color key to your car (using your Lotus paint stick), use Lotus green and yellow, go all black for that functional look, etc, etc. Testors makes many, many different shades of paint, even some exotic stuff. Cost is about 2 bucks per color. Add a small brush and a small bottle of thinner and you are good to go. As pointed out by another, this tweak also eliminates the abrasive feel the latest shift knobs can exhibit. (Nikon D70, Nikkor 50mm/1.4, F2.2 for background blur, handheld, spot metering)

Crudson · 09-08-2005, 06:06 AM

Looks fantastic. I have a new project for this evening. Pardon my ignorance, but what is a "Lotus paint stick"?

Stan · 09-08-2005, 06:15 AM

>>>Looks fantastic. I have a new project for this evening. Pardon my ignorance, but what is a "Lotus paint stick"?<<<

It's what they call their touch-up paint. It comes in tall, thin, nail polish type containers. Mine cost 18 bucks at the local dealer. So in my case I could have gone with Saffron Yellow shift knob paint detailing.

ConeFusion · 09-08-2005, 06:16 AM

I'm normally not much into appearance mods, but this looks very cool! If I get bored this winter, I might have to do that. Nice work.

Stan · 09-08-2005, 06:19 AM

>>I'm normally not much into appearance mods, but this looks very cool! If I get bored this winter, I might have to do that. Nice work.<<

You better line up some other projects. You can do it in like 5 minutes!

JediMindGamez · 09-08-2005, 06:20 AM

Thanks for the info. Where can i get testors? Home Depot? Paint shops? Model shops?

Icedog_16 · 09-08-2005, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JediMindGamez

Thanks for the info. Where can i get testors? Home Depot? Paint shops? Model shops?

Hobby shop. Also, maybe Wal-Mart or other similar retailer.

MethodX · 09-08-2005, 06:32 AM

Wait a minute. Sure it looks cool but I have to wonder......

What performance and or weight sacrifices must one make to adorn their shift knob in different colors?

Hmmmm?

mikester · 09-08-2005, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MethodX

Wait a minute. Sure it looks cool but I have to wonder......

What performance and or weight sacrifices must one make to adorn their shift knob in different colors?

Hmmmm?

Actually I believe it adds 2 Hp

Stan · 09-08-2005, 06:36 AM

Best place to buy Testors = a good hobby shop. Since they'll have all of the different paint lines and not just a limited selection. You need to see the colors live, ideally under natural light to best judge their aesthetics. Paint charts only go so far...and it's hard to judge on a monitor. It's easy to paint your knob and then change to a new color so don't stress about it.

FWIW my knob has red #1103 and gloss black #1147 on it. Enamel thinner #1148 was used for the wipe off step. They have many different reds from which to select. For example a Ferrari type Italian Red and a nice dark red #1104.

Here are some Testors paint charts:

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgu...%3Den%26sa%3DN

Tamiya also has nice paint.

evomind · 09-08-2005, 08:52 AM

hmmm.....i didnt see krypton green in testor's paint chart....

Stan · 09-08-2005, 09:05 AM

>>>hmmm.....i didnt see krypton green in testor's paint chart...<<<

In that case, just use a Lotus paint stick (touch up paint).

MethodX · 09-08-2005, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikester

Actually I believe it adds 2 Hp

Phew! Okay. That makes me feel better.

But...............will it make me a better driver. I mean, with the shift pattern painted I wil have to look at the shift knob less.

Hmmm. Makes ya think doesn't it?

vidoprof · 09-08-2005, 11:55 AM

Method,

You have some serious issues man.

Stan,

Nice as usual setting the bar. I am just going to look through all of your posts to see what you have done and then do the ones that suit my needs. Yeah I am a copycat but isn't that the best form of flattery?

Ryan

LotusLust · 09-08-2005, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stan

It's easy to paint your knob and then change to a new color so don't stress about it..

peck555 · 09-08-2005, 03:04 PM

colorfull knobs,what will they think of next...?

RacyTracy · 09-08-2005, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MethodX

What performance and or weight........?

Just use a 'lighter' shade......

Hillgiant · 09-08-2005, 05:32 PM

If you are that worried about the weight, just use clear.

Stan · 09-08-2005, 05:38 PM

BTW...this tweak / mod is 100% SCCA legal....it's a decorative, comfort and convenience thing...

azskycop · 09-08-2005, 06:12 PM

Stan,

That looks great! Thanks for the tip.....now what to do with my other 5 months, 29 days, 23 hours, and 55 minutes of winter storage time?????

09-08-2005, 05:13 AM	#1 (permalink)
Stan - Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 6,947	Paint Your Shift Knob's Shift Pattern A very EZ, cheap, fast tweak. Just used Testor's model paint. Dab it into the engraved shift pattern. Wipe off the excess with a rag with solvent on it. The paint stays in the engraved area. I used red for the alphanumerics and black for the dividing line. You could color key to your car (using your Lotus paint stick), use Lotus green and yellow, go all black for that functional look, etc, etc. Testors makes many, many different shades of paint, even some exotic stuff. Cost is about 2 bucks per color. Add a small brush and a small bottle of thinner and you are good to go. As pointed out by another, this tweak also eliminates the abrasive feel the latest shift knobs can exhibit. (Nikon D70, Nikkor 50mm/1.4, F2.2 for background blur, handheld, spot metering) Last edited by Stan; 09-08-2005 at 05:21 AM.

09-08-2005, 06:16 AM	#4 (permalink)
ConeFusion Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 1,579	I'm normally not much into appearance mods, but this looks very cool! If I get bored this winter, I might have to do that. Nice work. __________________ Reto 2005 Lotus Elise (yellow, sport pack), #94 SS 2005 Nissan Xterra (LSV)

09-08-2005, 06:20 AM	#6 (permalink)
JediMindGamez Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Davis, Ca Posts: 1,036	Thanks for the info. Where can i get testors? Home Depot? Paint shops? Model shops? __________________ You can't rationalize cars like these, they're not something you buy with your head, you buy them with your heart because you love them and who can explain love. All I know is I love my lil elise more then I like any other car...

09-08-2005, 06:32 AM	#8 (permalink)
MethodX All You Need is Love Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: So Cal Posts: 769	Wait a minute. Sure it looks cool but I have to wonder...... What performance and or weight sacrifices must one make to adorn their shift knob in different colors? Hmmmm? __________________ Poor is the man who's pleasures depend on the permission of another.

09-08-2005, 06:36 AM	#10 (permalink)
Stan - Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 6,947	Best place to buy Testors = a good hobby shop. Since they'll have all of the different paint lines and not just a limited selection. You need to see the colors live, ideally under natural light to best judge their aesthetics. Paint charts only go so far...and it's hard to judge on a monitor. It's easy to paint your knob and then change to a new color so don't stress about it. FWIW my knob has red #1103 and gloss black #1147 on it. Enamel thinner #1148 was used for the wipe off step. They have many different reds from which to select. For example a Ferrari type Italian Red and a nice dark red #1104. Here are some Testors paint charts: http://images.google.com/imgres?imgu...%3Den%26sa%3DN Tamiya also has nice paint. Last edited by Stan; 09-08-2005 at 06:49 AM.

09-08-2005, 06:06 AM	#2 (permalink)
Crudson / Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 2,490	Looks fantastic. I have a new project for this evening. Pardon my ignorance, but what is a "Lotus paint stick"?

09-08-2005, 06:15 AM	#3 (permalink)
Stan - Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 6,947	>>>Looks fantastic. I have a new project for this evening. Pardon my ignorance, but what is a "Lotus paint stick"?<<< It's what they call their touch-up paint. It comes in tall, thin, nail polish type containers. Mine cost 18 bucks at the local dealer. So in my case I could have gone with Saffron Yellow shift knob paint detailing.

09-08-2005, 06:19 AM	#5 (permalink)
Stan - Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 6,947	>>I'm normally not much into appearance mods, but this looks very cool! If I get bored this winter, I might have to do that. Nice work.<< You better line up some other projects. You can do it in like 5 minutes!

09-08-2005, 08:52 AM	#11 (permalink)
evomind J. Caesar Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: chicagoland Posts: 5,502	hmmm.....i didnt see krypton green in testor's paint chart.... __________________ Vati. C6 ZO6. THE OBITS, YO! KEEP CRYIN! WHAA! REDNECK = PERSON WHO LIVES IN A DUMP BUT DRIVES AN ELISE! I never played by the rules, and I never really cared My nasty reputation takes me everywhere It is admitted by all that he was much addicted to women, as well as very expensive in his intrigues with them, and that he debauched many ladies of the highest quality; among whom were Posthumia, the wife of Servius Sulpicius; and Lollia, the wife of Aulus Gabinius.

09-08-2005, 09:05 AM	#12 (permalink)
Stan - Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 6,947	>>>hmmm.....i didnt see krypton green in testor's paint chart...<<< In that case, just use a Lotus paint stick (touch up paint).

09-08-2005, 11:55 AM	#14 (permalink)
vidoprof Patiently awaiting my car Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 594	Method, You have some serious issues man. Stan, Nice as usual setting the bar. I am just going to look through all of your posts to see what you have done and then do the ones that suit my needs. Yeah I am a copycat but isn't that the best form of flattery? Ryan

09-08-2005, 03:04 PM	#16 (permalink)
peck555 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: White Plains N.Y. Posts: 2,468	colorfull knobs,what will they think of next...? __________________ Laser blue,biscuit, micro mirror, "Blue knob" ,HID lights,modded rear lights,rear badge,blue starter button, replaced speakers,perma grin, Club111 The Sith lord of the LB's loyal henchman

09-08-2005, 05:32 PM	#18 (permalink)
Hillgiant Amazing Folding Tall Guy Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 80	If you are that worried about the weight, just use clear.

09-08-2005, 05:38 PM	#19 (permalink)
Stan - Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 6,947	BTW...this tweak / mod is 100% SCCA legal....it's a decorative, comfort and convenience thing...

09-08-2005, 06:12 PM	#20 (permalink)
azskycop Fly N Lowr Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 824	Stan, That looks great! Thanks for the tip.....now what to do with my other 5 months, 29 days, 23 hours, and 55 minutes of winter storage time????? __________________ If you're not living on the edge you're taking up too much space!

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