Shift Knob installation on FL5R
- Thread starter Vtak Groceries
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a c i d.f l y
Senior Member
I'm so mad I didn't read this thread before installing today. What an absolute pain in the dick. It didn't just muscle off unscrew. The bolt stuck to the knob and made it impossible to unscrew. Had to pop up the panel and clip the zip tie. There was no way the clip was coming off - the zip tie held it in place. Then I botched putting a zip tie on and put the clip on upside down, so had to pull it all off again. Now I have a zip tie lump. Ffs, man.Finally got this mod completed for my fl5, thanks to all the info and videos provided by elusiveaura and others in this thread. I just wanted to piggyback on what you've said about the install, and give a more in-depth description of my own experience installing the Raceseng shift knob with the threaded adapter. I'll try to give as much detail as possible. It was a two day long project, while running around from Home Depot(which closed 1 minute before I got there that night lol), on to Home Depot again the next morning, only to find they didn't have the correct metric screws that I needed. I was then off to Lowes after that, and they finally had the right size screws to get the work done. I chose to keep the stock collar as I felt that it gave it a more retro look, similar to the leather shift knobs from 80's Sports cars, like the Toyota Supras back in the day. Just my preference.
1. For those unfortunate enough to not be able to push the boot collar down(like my situation), you'll have to pry open the gray/silver console cover off with plastic tools to keep the part from being damaged. Next you'll cut off the white low profile zip tie holding the leather shift boot to the collar. Make sure to purchase a "low profile" similar sized zip tie, as the regular ones create a noticeable lump at the collar once you re-zip the boot to the collar. I had to do this all over again because of that issue. You can get them at O'Reilly's, or other automotive parts suppliers.
2. At this point, you will have complete access to the collar. I may have over complicated this part of the process, but I had to loosen it with a small Allen tool that I heated on an open flame, bent the very tip of it, and pried the collar coupler open to get it loosened and it slid down. I recommend setting the collar retention screw that requires a 14mm wrench to its lowest point, so as to have the shortest height for the aftermarket shift knob.
3. After getting a small assortment of machined screws from Lowes(I love that place lol), and testing which length screw worked best for my application. I chose a M6-1.00 X 30 Flat Head machined Metric screw, it's a quality item. It was perfect for the height that I wanted, while still keeping the stock collar snug without unnecessary pressure on the plastic piece.
4. Finally, do yourself a favor and mark the top of the screw for reference, it'll help greatly in making the final adjustment to get the shift knob tight and lined up correctly. I set the screw to stick out by 1.5mm from the threaded adapter to the top of the screw. My OCD wouldn't let me do it any other way. lol
I love the look and feel of the Raceseng shift knob! Quality product, with a nicely machined top surface, and retro perforated leather styling.
Hope this helps
Billetworkz.com sparkly leather knob feels solid, though. Kinna want to swap the silver carbon panel now that I've popped it off two times. And definitely gonna need a different boot, the "leather" doesn't match the knob. It matches the leather steering wheel.
Oneday
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- Florencio
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It’s amazing how complicated replacing a freakin shift knob can be on the fl5! lol Glad you got it done, but that zip tie lump thoI'm so mad I didn't read this thread before installing today. What an absolute pain in the dick. It didn't just muscle off unscrew. The bolt stuck to the knob and made it impossible to unscrew. Had to pop up the panel and clip the zip tie. There was no way the clip was coming off - the zip tie held it in place. Then I botched putting a zip tie on and put the clip on upside down, so had to pull it all off again. Now I have a zip tie lump. Ffs, man.
Billetworkz.com sparkly leather knob feels solid, though. Kinna want to swap the silver carbon panel now that I've popped it off two times. And definitely gonna need a different boot, the "leather" doesn't match the knob. It matches the leather steering wheel.
a c i d.f l y
Senior Member
Tools needed, plastic trim tool, 14mm crescent wrench, clips, and low profile zip tie.
Pop up panel, preferably with a plastic trim tool, slide under, twist to pop up side, then corner, then pull up from the top and pop up the other side.
Once I can get my fingers under, I can pop it up by hand.
Carefully lift up panel, sliding boot up around the shift knob to expose the zip tie. Clip it carefully.
From there you can pop the clip down, unscrew, and proceed with the shift knob installation.
Replacing the zip tie is easier without the knob installed, but I didn't have the right zips ties, so I'm doing this for a 3rd time. Line boot up, all the way up, slide zip tie around, fasten securely and trim the zip tie as much as possible with clippers.
Slide boot back over the knob, line up the trim and press it back into place, hearing the clips click at all four corners. Now marvel at your fancy new human-vehicle interface.
Pop up panel, preferably with a plastic trim tool, slide under, twist to pop up side, then corner, then pull up from the top and pop up the other side.
Once I can get my fingers under, I can pop it up by hand.
Carefully lift up panel, sliding boot up around the shift knob to expose the zip tie. Clip it carefully.
From there you can pop the clip down, unscrew, and proceed with the shift knob installation.
Replacing the zip tie is easier without the knob installed, but I didn't have the right zips ties, so I'm doing this for a 3rd time. Line boot up, all the way up, slide zip tie around, fasten securely and trim the zip tie as much as possible with clippers.
Slide boot back over the knob, line up the trim and press it back into place, hearing the clips click at all four corners. Now marvel at your fancy new human-vehicle interface.
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