917 Style/Inspired Shift Knobs

[slodave]

Hallo!

I'm proud to announce that Pelican Parts is now carrying the 917/908 inspired shift knobs that I hand turn on a wood lathe. While not an exact replica, I am carrying the tradition on a shift knob that another Pelican had started. The shift knobs I create are turned from sustainable mahogany and maple. I rotate the thinner maple strips 90* so that I end up with a stronger laminate, one that won't warp (okay, wood is wood and does it's own thing, but this method minimizes things). The rotation also enhances the "chatoyancy" in the woods, by contrasting each other. So, without further ado...




The knobs above are finished with polyurethane.

I have designed a aluminum bushing that allows fitment for 911/912 model years 1965-1989. The bushings will also fit most 914's as far as I know and are listed in the catalog as well. They were also designed with longevity and ease of install/removal in mind.

Two finish options are available at the moment. Friction and Polyurethane. The friction polish arrives with a "high" gloss, but will wear down and "patina" more quickly, but still providing the wood with the necessary protection. The poly finish will attain the high gloss finish much longer and will also protect the wood a bit from light scratches/dents, but will also wear with age and eventually attain a random "patina".

The diameter of the knobs are roughly 48mm, slightly larger than the stock 911 knobs.

Questions, comments, complaints, kudos, et al, please direct to me. I want to make sure everyone is a happy camper.

Link to the 1974-1989 spot in the Pelican Parts catalog:
Porsche 911 (1974-1989) - Shift Linkage - Page 2

Link to the 1965-1973 spot...
Porsche 911 (1965-1973) - Shift Linkage - Page 2

For the 914 peeps that lurk...
Porsche 914, 914-6 (1970-1976) - Shift Linkage - Page 1

**I recommend a little blue loc-tite for the set screws.

The knobs with the anodized black bushings will appear in the catalog in the next couple days.

[prebordao]

Wow, I'm tempted...

[prebordao]

But dows the knob already includes the necessary bushing ?

[slodave]

Yes. Pretty much plug and play. Blue loc-tite is recommended for the set screws.

[TRE Cup]

Dave's gear shift knobs are also available for 87-89 G50 models. Offered by Pelican Parts

[jimtweet]

really love to own one, is it possible to get one to fit the Wevo shifters?

[TRE Cup]

If you are referring to the Wevo classic line, then yes. If you have a billet version, then Dave and I have to discuss, as the billet version is fastened with a bolt thru the top of the knob

[al lkosmal]

nice dave..............I may have to pick one up for my resto-mod teener.

regards,
Al

[slodave]

I have a Wevo knob from the billet version and have taken measurements. Just not sure how to adapt to it yet, as I prefer not to have bolt going through the top. Ideally, I'd like to get my hands on the billet shifter for a bit to play with ideas.

[rusnak]

Wow, those are beautiful. I want to measure my shifter in the off road vehicle. I'm thinking that if the Momo steering wheel fits, I'm going to buy this shifter to go with it.

[Joe Bob]

Originally Posted by jimtweet

really love to own one, is it possible to get one to fit the Wevo shifters?

Good idea.....

[rusnak]

Dave, let me know if you need to borrow my Wevo billet shifter. I'll yank it from my 911 and send it down to you if you need it.

[Jack Olsen]

Those things look great. Here's what the inspiration looked like.



The shifter is in the same position as the 962 -- and is easier to get used to than you might think.



As I understand it, the 917's were balsa. And Porsche even drilled holes in the ignition keys to save weight.

[rusnak]

I have two different wevo shifters. Both are for 915 transmissions.

[slodave]

Re: balsa and the 917/908. I think the consensus is that the knob was designed more for insulation and not so much for weight reduction. I as understand it, the shift linkage was all metal in those cars and the heat transfer through it on long races was hot enough to feel it through the drivers gloves.

Rusnak, it's the black shifter I would like to get a hold of.

[rusnak]

OK Dave. Tomorrow is going to be busy for me, but I can pull it from Wednesday on, box it up and send it to you for your shift knob mockup. Just send it back when you're done.

[TRE Cup]

Slo
did n't tell u we hAve a billet wevo on the shelf for u to work with
;-)

[slodave]

That saves on shipping back back and forth! I'll be back in town late Wed. And can stop by the shop on Thurs.

The knobs with the anodized black bushings should be in the Pelican catalog in the next day or so.

[mclmk8d]

Slodave, can you make them with satin poly finish?

[Joe Bob]

Jeezus....welcome to MY world......