CNC shifter knob

[Tru-Craft]

Was slow at work so I designed a shifter for my GT.
Started with a 1" X 2" x 3" aluminum block.
Then CNC machined the shape.
I used a 1/16" diameter endmill to cut the lightning bolt to get good detail, lots of lines of info but it looks good.
The lightning bolt sticks up above the knob.
I will use a set screw to hold it on the shifter shaft.
Should be finished tomorrow, if I get a chance to work on it.
Lyle

[markandson]

Originally Posted by Tru-Craft Was slow at work so I designed a shifter for my GT. Started with a 1" X 2" x 3" aluminum block. Then CNC machined the shape. I used a 1/16" diameter endmill to cut the lightning bolt to get good detail, lots of lines of info but it looks good. The lightning bolt sticks up above the knob. I will use a set screw to hold it on the shifter shaft. Should be finished tomorrow, if I get a chance to work on it. Lyle

Pretty sweet Lyle, do you have an automatic? I would think for a stick the lightening bolts might be a little uncomfortable.

[hrcollinsjr]

Originally Posted by markandson Pretty sweet Lyle, do you have an automatic? I would think for a stick the lightening bolts might be a little uncomfortable.

I would do the lightening bolt raised and reversed. That way you could have a neat brand in the palm of your hand the first time you laid your hand on it in 95+ deg. heat.

Harold

[Tru-Craft]

Originally Posted by hrcollinsjr I would do the lightening bolt raised and reversed. That way you could have a neat brand in the palm of your hand the first time you laid your hand on it in 95+ deg. heat. Harold

Hey, that's a good idea! True Opel owners should be branded.
The ears on the knob could hide your nitrous button or other James Bond gadgets!

I actually made a wood prototype out of pine, could make one using a good hardwood. Easier to machine.

I was also going to use this design as a brake fluid reservoir cap.
But, I got some "Real" work for the shop, so play time is over........for a little while.
Lyle

[Tru-Craft]

Finished my shifter knob.
Fits good and the set screw holds it in place.
It feels OK to shift with, pretty comfortable.
Not sure if I like it.......but it is different.
Maybe black anodize it with the lightening bolt shiney?
Could use it for something else, paper weight on my desk or........

[Redskinsjbs]

I think if you rounded it more, sort of like an embossed lightening bolt on a more spherical shape it would be pretty nifty.

And I like the anodized black with shiny bolt look.

[StefanLee]

I think it looks amazing.

It´ll look even better black anodized like you said.

Stefan

[Tru-Craft]

Originally Posted by Redskinsjbs I think if you rounded it more, sort of like an embossed lightening bolt on a more spherical shape it would be pretty nifty. And I like the anodized black with shiny bolt look.

I also wanted it more rounded, but to profile a spherical shape on a CNC mill is a lot of work.....time......money!
This was my one day project that turned into two days.
Yep, the next time I get some black anodizing done I will do the shifter knob.

Maybe I will make a hardwood one since the CNC is still setup.
What is a good hard and dense wood to use?
My neighbor has a cabinet shop, so I can get a scrap piece from him.
Lyle

[neuropel]

I think it would look great in cherry or oak, or perhaps even maple.

[Tru-Craft]

Originally Posted by neuropel I think it would look great in cherry or oak, or perhaps even maple.

What will match my steering wheels fake wood?
Maple stained, then sand the bolt and varnish?

I painted the aluminum knob black and sanded the bolt.
I like it better now.
Even kind of matches the horn button.

[RallyBob]

Originally Posted by Tru-Craft What will match my steering wheels fake wood? Maple stained, then sand the bolt and varnish?

The grain looks close to plain sawn mahogany to me, but as for the color I don't know, most GT wheels I've seen are badly worn/faded.

[neuropel]

If it were me, I'd go with white oak, stain with Golden Oak, and then several coats of polyurethane. You might even be able to do a contrasting stain on the blitz (perhaps something like cherry or walnut) to make it stand out more, or just paint the blitz prior to applying the poly. Perhaps what you need is one of CDN OpelNut's hand made steering wheels, then you could machine a matching shift knob!

[Redskinsjbs]

Originally Posted by tru-craft what will match my steering wheels fake wood? Maple stained, then sand the bolt and varnish? I painted the aluminum knob black and sanded the bolt. I like it better now. Even kind of matches the horn button.

shhaaweeettt!!!

[Redskinsjbs]

So I finally got around to designing what I would like . . . now all I need is a 5-axis CNC.

[opelnut_1]

Now this is a shift knob I would be interested in as well

[Redskinsjbs]

I think that it would be really cool if I had that knob and left it in the sun. I could brand a Blitz on my hand!

[markandson]

Originally Posted by Redskinsjbs I think that it would be really cool if I had that knob and left it in the sun. I could brand a Blitz on my hand!

You also better paint the blitz RED so the blood does not show too much from ripping your palm apart .

[hrcollinsjr]

Originally Posted by Redskinsjbs I think that it would be really cool if I had that knob and left it in the sun. I could brand a Blitz on my hand!

You could do a freeze brand that would only show up when you were tanned and there would be no scarring. Freeze branding kills the pigmentation in the skin. It works well on dark animals like Angus and black spots on Holstein.

Harold

[newman27]

Originally Posted by Redskinsjbs So I finally got around to designing what I would like . . . now all I need is a 5-axis CNC.

I would buy one of these too - looks awesome! Also, if you can make the opening a snug fit for a GT shifter that would be great. I have an after-market shift knob and the thing drives me crazy because I occasionally have to adjust and tighten the set screws as the knob loosens up and vibrates over time.

Matt

[Redskinsjbs]

Well, if I had the means to make it I would! The problem is that I need *either* a 5 axis CNC or a 3 axis CNC and the ability to flip and re-register the mill in the correct place.

I am thinking that I would cut the lower half, flip it over, and then cut the upeer half with the blitz on it. I guess I'll hunt down a friend with a 3 axis CNC.

I haven't ever removed the original shift knob, so I do not know how large to make the mounting hole to achieve a snug fit. However, this knob has the same height and width as the original knob; the difference is that it has a round 'waist' instead of the originals 'mushroom' like waist.

[GRS72GT]

Originally Posted by Redskinsjbs So I finally got around to designing what I would like . . . now all I need is a 5-axis CNC.

This would be awesome! I would definitely buy one. Someone put a huge, square-ish aftermarket knob on mine, and let me tell you, trying to get a shifter boot on it was a PAIN...

[ben]

Redskinsjbs i really like that nob let me know if and when you can some made and how $$ they will be

[Tru-Craft]

Nice design!
Wanted to make one more rounded like yours.
But, very high machining cost. Maybe make a prototype and cast them.
My aluminum shift knob does get warm/hot when left in the sun.
So plastic or wood might be better.
Still have mine on my GT........getting used to the blitz brand on my hand.
Looks unique like the rest of the car.
Lyle

[yellaopelgt]

I think that design would look even BETTER under the hood on the valve cover.(see post #1) I HATE the round original valve cover cap.......
Not that the shifter thing isnt a great idea,just when I first looked at the picture thats what popped into my head.
Joe

[Tru-Craft]

Originally Posted by yellaopelgt I think that design would look even BETTER under the hood on the valve cover.(see post #1) I HATE the round original valve cover cap.......Joe

Joe, my girl friend said the same thing.
Yep, the valve cover cap is plain.
Hood clearance is an issue also.

The brake resivoir cap is another thought.
The hard part is the threads on the caps.
Maybe cut the original caps apart and use the parts.
They also make radiator cap covers.
Too much Bling?
?
Lyle