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View Full Version : Removing ghastly auto gear stick and replacing with something else ...



MYV64U
21-12-2006, 07:50 AM
I was just driving with with the girl and begun putting some vague thoughts together about an interior mod I want to do. Hopefully I can explain what I want to do and see if anyone can offer some idea's.

A while back when a mate and myself were playing around with my stereo I had the centre console and stuff pulled out. I had taken the gear knob off (naturally) and using my 1337 uber skillz I snapped off the plastic stem which when depressed allows you to change from P to D etc etc. I went on to repair it (using above skillz) and cut a length of wire from a wire coathanger and used it in the plastic stems place. IT WORKED ... too well. I don't have to press the button to change the gear now.

Developing on this ... is my idea.

I want to put a much more appealing gear knob in the magna, cutting down the existing shaft and putting a thread on it. I can simply modify it so no button is required to move the gear between P and other selections. Now to do this, and get away with it when noticed I am thinking I should have a GATED (think it's the right word) base so changing from P to D isn't as simple as dragging the stick back. The Mazda 3's and 6's (along with every other car known to man now) have it. I am assuming it's a safety thing to make sure you don't bump it into R while doing 110km/h. I have never had an issue with bumping my setup into another setting, but I am sure if the RTA or Police were to become involved they would not be reassured by my skillz.

How can this be done, if it is possible. Has anyone already done this? In case my above description is lacking in creating the mental image required I will add some pics of what I want to do.

I want to change from this kind of set up
http://www.van-guard.co.uk/news/archives/gearstick.jpg



And make it look like this kind os set up
http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/831682/2/istockphoto_831682_gear_stick_tiptronic

NO ... my box is not Tiptronic.

Idea's?!

Rothguard
21-12-2006, 08:15 AM
ooooooo that could cause a few problems if you bump the gear stick

i accidently slamed mine in to netural the other day when shifting from 3 to D it wasnt pretty you would really want to have some sort of stop between L 2 3 D and N R P

what's the price on a tiptronic ?

im not much help but just my thoughts

MYV64U
21-12-2006, 08:16 AM
ooooooo that could cause a few problems if you bump the gear stick

i accidently slamed mine in to netural the other day when shifting from 3 to D it wasnt pretty you would really want to have some sort of stop between L 2 3 D and N R P

what's the price on a tiptronic ?

im not much help but just my thoughts

Unless I destroy my gearbox anytime soon I am not going to replace it with a tiptronic. And if I do destroy it, manual conversion time.