I have a 2003 manual X-type. The leather on the shift knob is starting to deteriorate and I've been looking for days for a shift knob that might fit. It's been very hard to find and I was wondering if anyone knows a specific shift knob or a website that I can look at. Or if anyone has done any type of conversion to a universal one (due to the opening being wider than normal for Reverse). Thanks for your help!!!

 

tkd-540

How far gone is the leather knob?
If it is just scuffed up, a lot of times it is a bit like putting a good shine on the shoes. Clean any palm sweat build up off with saddle soap, dye any color inconsistancy, apply finish this can be a high quality shoe polish but I would go with a leather finish product with carnuba in it. If you do choose shoe polish for last two steps, plan to spend a lot of time buffing out, etc. before wife takes it to the opera in white gown.

You may also find an interior shop that can re-cover a knob for very low cost. Lots of fine craftsman out there with time on their hands these days. The cover is stitched tight, shrunk down with water, hardened with a little heat and polished out. Great way to get to know them before you need them for something big.

Good luck,
Steven (1AVguy)

 

Is it wrong for one guy to tell another guy how to polish his knob?????....................

 

It was a little personal, sorry. I will try to keep it clean (oh, wait, that's how we got started).

Steven (1avdude) w/alfa

 

Oh wow.

 

Hahaha, thanks for all the answers. Well, to be honest the shift knob was in pretty good condition until this past weekend. The top was just starting to kinda get ruined and dry and I had the brilliant idea of starting to pick at it and ended up ripping the side of it. I've thought about taking it to a leather upholstery or something of the kind like you said 1avguy. I've also been looking on ebay and I've been thinking about buying one and just modifying it. I don't know, thanks for all the help though!! I'll keep you guys informed and I'll post pics.

 

So I got a nice chrome/leather shift knob, and the leather boot for the shifter and I'm very happy. The shift knob resembles the original one a lot in size and look. I will post pics tomorrow hopefully!

 

Here are some pics

 

Looks a nice swap

 

Looks good! Where did you find it?

 

Thanks for the comment. I found it on ebay, it was very cheap.