Shift Knob Replacement

[65TBSTEVE]

Have an '02 all black interior, Thunderbird Blue exterior and was wondering if anyone has replaced the black or black accent paint shift knob with one of the accent colors? Is the knob only available through Ford and is this an easy replacement process?

[Blue Heaven]

Re: Shift Knob Replacement

Steve,
This is literally a 10 minute job. You have to slide the chrome collar down from the base of the knob. This will expose phillips head screws that hold the knob to the shifter shaft. Simply swap out the knobs and you're good to go.

As far as availability goes, expect to pay close to $300 from Ford. You're better off trying to find one in a parts yard. I found an entire shifter with yellow knob for our yellow Bird for $150.

[wtxbird]

Re: Shift Knob Replacement

The Lincoln LS shift knob it is the same as the Thunderbirds, check ebay also.
Dino is correct they do sell from Ford for well over $300.

[doubutsu]

Re: Shift Knob Replacement

Steve, you can have it covered in leather in just about any color you want for around fifty dollars.

[Ski]

Re: Shift Knob Replacement

Steve, you can have it covered in leather in just about any color you want for around fifty dollars.

Where would you take it to get this done? (I know, a stupid question. Sometimes I just can't help myself, and I really don't know.)

[Skip]

Re: Shift Knob Replacement

Where would you take it to get this done? (I know, a stupid question. Sometimes I just can't help myself, and I really don't know.)

Ski:

Here is a local guy you might try.

Kenny Bellew
E&G Services
443-271-5242 (cell)

He just did some leather reapair work on my Taurus X and the work was excellent. He also gave me some advice on addressing the wrinkles and cracks in the bolster and seating section of the driver seat on my Bird: Use saddle soap and saddle conditioner rather than the commercially available auto aftemarket products. He said the difference is that the commercial products often contain lanolin and other ingredients that can "dry out" the leather. Saddle use products specifically don't have it because saddles get so much sun exposure. I have purchased these (at the Mill), but haven't had a chance to try them yet. He said it won't make the conditions go away at this point for me, but could make it tolerable until I'm ready to repair/replace the covers, which he can do also. It will help the other leather seating in both of my cars, however.

Skip

[doubutsu]

Re: Shift Knob Replacement

John, Skip answered your question, but for anyone else, most cities have several shops that can do this.

[Blue Heaven]

Re: Shift Knob Replacement

I'm not so sure the leather wrap is as easy as you might think. It's a "baseball stitch" which is rather difficult to do on something that small and that shape. I had two professional custom auto interior shops say it can't be done and have it look like it should.

Has anyone found a shop that can do it?

[Icebluebird]

Re: Shift Knob Replacement

How about a nice wood knob from a Lincoln LS?

They are a direct replacement.

[65TBSTEVE]

Re: Shift Knob Replacement

Thanks all for your thoughts and suggestions! I will consider all options!