Hey guys,

Just wondering if there is any interest out there for a custom machined aluminum shift **** (and potentially reverse lock-out ring for us 2k2's out there)? Cost would be somewhere in the $75 to $100 range.

Here's the deal... I'm an engineer with access to a high-end 3D CAD package, and I know local machine shops are just dying for work.

So, I was thinking I could design a **** (cuz my crappy 2k2 shift **** with its creaky plastic insert is driving me nuts), send it to some shops for quote, and make them available to all you guys and gals.

Replacement is pretty dead simply; just unscrew the old **** and this would just screw into its place.

Colour could be customized to whatever anodize you want (clear, blue, purple, black, etc) or powder coat painted.

 

I would be really interested if the **** had some carbon fiber...

 

It kinda needs to be something a machine shop can do. I can check into carbon fibre inserts or wrap, but I'm not sure what the cost would be.

 

I like the idea. I've been looking to replace my crappy 6spd one for some time. That damn plastic center piece is driving me nuts. Maybe make the finish black ano...or a titanium color to match the guages on the SE...just some thoughts. Anyhow, count me in for sure!
Any chance of getting the gear layout printed on top?? (Or some sort of logo i.e. Nismo/Nissan/Maxima/SE etc etc)

 

The top can say pretty much whatever we want. Could be the standard gear diagram, or could be something else.

 

Metal shift **** + Arizona sun= Undrivable Maxima.....

I would if I lived in a cooler state......

 

My sentiments exactly. But maybe you someone who can do moldings for plastics....

 

I would be interested in something that is a direct fit with the correct threading. Im not a big fan of the Momo style set screws. I would rather something made specifically for our trannies..

 

Well, than you're right on. I don't care what it says on top...a gate pattern to "Nissan". It's all good. I'm totally in. Just lay it on me bro, and fire some off. I want the black anodized myself....anything is better than that stock shifter with the alumiplastic middle piece.

 

I would be ULTRA interested. Please keep me posted!

 

I haven't checked my 5 spd yet, but on the 6 spd the male thread is on the shifter rod. The **** is simply a female thread. You can check it out yourself by turning the **** counter-clockwise until it comes off.

My plan is to get some nuts, figure out what the exact thread is on the rod, and then have the shop tap the mating thread into the ****. It will be a direct thread in replacement for our existing ****.

Dollars to donuts the 5 spd is the same.

 

I get the design done this week and then post some shaded 3-D images. This should give everybody who's interested a chance to have a look and provide feedback on any changes. Once we have a design we are all happy with, I'll send it to a few shops and get firm pricing. Then I'll start taking orders.

I'll find out from the shop exactly what anodize colours are available, and this will be an aspect which will be custom to everyone's **** (trying hard not to laugh here...).

 

Dude...you said ****...

What type of colors are you expecting? I can't speek for everyone, but I sure the silver-black is going to be the most popular.

 

The standard anodize colours that I am aware of are:

clear - i.e.:natural colour of aluminum
green
red
purple
black - looks pretty cool
blue

I think there are more, but these are the ones I am sure of. I will print the full list once I find out.

Another option is to powder-coat paint the ****, at which point the colour can be anything we want. There is a large paint shop in town and they will match any colour. My only concern is the durability of the paint - may eventually wear due to the high use. Anodize will last forever...

 

can you do anything for us auto 2k2's?

 

Sure, but I don't own an Auto so I would need some info in order to design something which would be a direct replacement.

 

Eric,

Do you have an update for us??

 

I have a few designs done, and I will putting pics up tomorrow or thursday so people can have a look. I also have a meeting booked tomorrow with one of the machine shops so I can get some more info on the anodizing and potentially some rough pricing.

 

I look forward to seeing it. I am actually pretty excited for it!