bootless stick shift

[markeo]

i thought of this last night...

what if i got a small metal plate (sheetmetal?) that fits where the boot goes, cut out an HH pattern for the stick to fit, but my other idea was to cut out small holes labeled 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, R so that they are lit up, either all the time, or just when in that respective gear.

anybody ever done anything like this, or think it sounds cool?

[rnstein69]

i think that lamborghinis have that, but without the #'s lighting up. interesting idea though. i guess that would cut down on potential miss-shifts; the metal plate would have to be pretty thick i would think like 1/4" or even 3/8"; not that thin sheet metal.

[markeo]

would i need something under it to keep dust and crap out, basically a boot

this is out of a diablo

[rnstein69]

hmm.. that's wierd..did you notice where 1st and reverse is in that pic??

R 2
H
1 3

I think it is def. doable. i would go for it.

[markeo]

i did notice the pattern, and i dont know lambo's very much, but i would have thought it would have 6, not 5 speeds...

anyway, i think i will do it, the question is when though, im heading off to school without my car next week...i can probably get my hands on the required metal/tools at school, but i wouldnt have the measurements. maybe ill try to scope it out before i go

[Nathan123]

I don't know... you ever driven a car with a shifter gated like that before? Definitely improves shift accuracy, but at the cost of speed. I have very mixed feelings on them.

[markeo]

why does that cost speed? isnt that the path the stick takes anyway, or does it limit it from more of an open space?

[Nathan123]

Originally Posted by markeo

why does that cost speed? isnt that the path the stick takes anyway, or does it limit it from more of an open space?

It's a more deliberate "up-right-up", rather than a "slam in the general direction and it goes", if you know what I mean. It makes the shifts more angular and costs you a little bit of time, but you pretty much have to be retarded to put it in the wrong gear.

[markeo]

yeah, i dont think im too worried about it...the only thing is i have to figure out the cuts in it. i dont know how to measure that really, i dont know trial and error maybe, just put it in gear and check how far over it is from the side i guess

[charliemopps24]

Originally Posted by markeo

yeah, i dont think im too worried about it...the only thing is i have to figure out the cuts in it. i dont know how to measure that really, i dont know trial and error maybe, just put it in gear and check how far over it is from the side i guess

Take off the shift knob and grab a piece of cardboard and an exacto knife. Cut a whole in the middle of the board and slide it over the stick. Use some duct tape to secure it and start taking small bites out and make you're template. Then take measurements and take em to a machine shop.

[markeo]

Originally Posted by charliemopps24

Take off the shift knob and grab a piece of cardboard and an exacto knife. Cut a whole in the middle of the board and slide it over the stick. Use some duct tape to secure it and start taking small bites out and make you're template. Then take measurements and take em to a machine shop.

very good idea

thanks

[wakeboardstud13]

Originally Posted by rnstein69

hmm.. that's wierd..did you notice where 1st and reverse is in that pic??

R 2
H
1 3

I think it is def. doable. i would go for it.

wow... you guys must know little about european engineering....most all european cars are geared like that....usually they have first and reverse in the same spot except you have to push the stick down to get to revearse...its like a hidden gear its kinda cool

[fl05civic]

they have water jet system that could scroll that out for you in a couple of hours a little pricey but for somthing that small it couldnt be too much