Weighing the shift knob |
Weighing in at just over 5oz, it is not the most hefty knob on the market. However, it does feel durable and the aluminum finish will not wear out as quickly as the Volvo leather shift knobs.
My first order of business was to paint the red lettering to match my car's theme. Blue of course!
Blue lettering |
Installation is where this project got a little tricky. Unlike most shift knobs, which use a threaded stick, Volvo uses a pin to lock the knob in place.
Threaded base |
Using an angle grinder, I cut the pin off, leaving a smooth straight stick.
Modified shift stick |
Rather than having the shaft threaded, I bought an assortment of vacuum caps and found one which fit perfectly for both the stick and the knob.
Red vacuum cap for mounting |
The next order of business was to modify the shift boot to reattach it to the new knob.
First, I found a washer which fit the stick. I then threaded my boot through the hole and realigned it to the console. Not only does it hold the boot in place, but it also aligns with the base of my new shift knob.
Fitting a washer for the shift boot |
Shift boot modification |
The finished result is right on par with my standards of perfection. The alignment is as smooth as factory, while maintaining a clean aftermarket appearance.
Aluminum shift ball |
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