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Ray White
Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 6313
Location: Derby
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 Posted: Thu Sep 03, 2020 9:18 am Post subject: Weighted gear lever knobs |
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I don't think this subject has been covered here before and I am not sure how much there is to be said about it but I have recently been considering what type of gear knob I would prefer. I have fitted a Ford T9 5 speed gearbox to the MG TC ( a very popular modification ) and I have been reading that a weighted gear knob can significantly improve the gear change, which can be rather leaden and notchy.
I hadn't realised but there is a huge range in after market gear knobs. Some are cheap and cheerful while others are surprisingly expensive. There are also ARGUMENTS about which is the better; a short throw which make for quicker changes or a taller, weighted one which makes for smoother - but presumably a bit slower.
I wouldn't want to make the lever much longer or I could risk catching my hand on the underside of the dash. I had been considering a stubby weighted gear knob and found to my surprise that they are no longer screwed on. Some rely on grub screws to hold in place
- while others are marque specific and simply "click" into place. I wouldn't want something that might be difficult to get off.
I would be interested to get advice from any one who has experimented with the weighted type of gear knob.
Presently, the box is fitted with a simple leather finished knob that is probably fine but could possibly be improved upon but I wouldn't want anything that looks too modern. Having said that, I do like the leather and wood one.
Yes, I know I am jumping the gun as I don't even have a body on yet; but I like to plan ahead.
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alanb
Joined: 10 Sep 2012
Posts: 516
Location: Berkshire.
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| Posted: Thu Sep 03, 2020 9:29 pm Post subject: |
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A friend of mine had a nice chunky solid walnut gear knob on his mx5 look great and felt great, can’t beat the feel of good quality wood.
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badhuis
Joined: 20 Aug 2008
Posts: 1390
Location: Netherlands
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| Posted: Thu Sep 03, 2020 9:52 pm Post subject: |
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| alanb wrote: | | can’t beat the feel of good quality wood. |
Have to agree. The simple full wooden knob in my TR4 (standard fitment for USA export I believe) is great to use.
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a car stops being fun when it becomes an investment |
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ukdave2002
Joined: 23 Nov 2007
Posts: 4104
Location: South Cheshire
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| Posted: Thu Sep 03, 2020 9:57 pm Post subject: |
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I think the weighted ones are the knobs preferred by the drifters, so if you want to GWI and slide that's your route!
Personally on a car like yours I'd just fit something that looks right.
Dave |
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peter scott
Joined: 18 Dec 2007
Posts: 7118
Location: Edinburgh
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| Posted: Thu Sep 03, 2020 10:01 pm Post subject: |
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I prefer any modern modifications to be invisible so even when using a modern box I would hide the fact by fitting the original TC knob even if it does require a different thread to be cut on the new lever. The fact that the H display is wrong wouldn't bother me.
Peter
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Ray White
Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 6313
Location: Derby
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| Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2020 3:15 am Post subject: |
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This is my original gear knob. It is a cheap, plastic (probably Bakelite) little thing that presumably I am obliged to use; not because I like it but because it is correct for the car. ? |
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peter scott
Joined: 18 Dec 2007
Posts: 7118
Location: Edinburgh
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Ray White
Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 6313
Location: Derby
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| Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2020 9:02 am Post subject: |
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Rick
Site Admin
Joined: 27 Apr 2005
Posts: 22446
Location: UK
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| Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2020 9:05 am Post subject: |
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| ukdave2002 wrote: | ...
Personally on a car like yours I'd just fit something that looks right.
Dave |
I tend to agree, things like modern gearknobs/switchgear/steering wheels etc just jarr inside an otherwise olde-worlde cockpit. IMO obviously 
It sounds like the ideal candidate for 3D printing something usable but correct looking, although I suppose the cost would be prohibitive unless a batch were produced with a view to selling-on the surplus units, if enough people needed such things.
RJ
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ukdave2002
Joined: 23 Nov 2007
Posts: 4104
Location: South Cheshire
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| Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2020 9:52 am Post subject: |
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| Rick wrote: | | ukdave2002 wrote: | ...
Personally on a car like yours I'd just fit something that looks right.
Dave |
I tend to agree, things like modern gearknobs/switchgear/steering wheels etc just jarr inside an otherwise olde-worlde cockpit. IMO obviously
It sounds like the ideal candidate for 3D printing something usable but correct looking, although I suppose the cost would be prohibitive unless a batch were produced with a view to selling-on the surplus units, if enough people needed such things.
RJ |
That's a good idea, it should be a simple project if you know someone with a printer?
Dave |
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Penguin45
Joined: 28 Jul 2014
Posts: 381
Location: Padiham
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| Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2020 10:14 am Post subject: |
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MkI Mini knob is the same. Modern versions come with a rubber insert, so cut their own thread as you screw it on. 22G110 from MiniSpares. I used one on the 18/85 to good effect.
Chris.
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Ray White
Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 6313
Location: Derby
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| Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2020 11:29 am Post subject: |
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I don't normally complain about aches and pains but I think I should admit that the thing which has prompted this rather odd topic is that I am unable to comfortably handle the little 1 1/4" TC gear knob... so I shall not be fitting it. I am also not entirely happy with the knob that came with the 5 speed box - although the leather finish is nicer - my hand still hurts.
I find the chunkier knobs much easier to use. I think the wooden one that badhuis has on his TR4 would be ideal for me.
One important point that I should make again is that this rebuild is not intended to be an accurate recreation of a TC as it came from Abingdon. There are plenty of standard cars about but this rebuild, down to the last nut and bolt, is personal to me. I am not trying to make it look the same as all the other TC restorations out there.
Thank you everyone for your replies. |
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Penman
Joined: 23 Nov 2007
Posts: 4756
Location: Swindon, Wilts.
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| Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2020 12:56 pm Post subject: |
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Hi
Have you got a friend with a wood lathe?
You cold then get one turned up just the size you want. and you then embed a correct sized nut in the bottom of it and it will screw on.
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Ray White
Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 6313
Location: Derby
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| Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2020 2:02 pm Post subject: |
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| Penman wrote: | Hi
Have you got a friend with a wood lathe?
You cold then get one turned up just the size you want. and you then embed a correct sized nut in the bottom of it and it will screw on. |
Yes, I had planned on making my own. I could mount a suitable piece of timber between centres on my lathe and see how I get on with the collection of wood turning chisels that my Dad left me. I had considered letting a slightly domed enamel MG badge into the top.
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peter scott
Joined: 18 Dec 2007
Posts: 7118
Location: Edinburgh
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