New Gear Knob

[tweetdriver63]

When fitting a ball type gear knob it makes the length of the lever shorter. When changing to second gear does the front of your wrist not catch the handbrake?
A & M

No. I generally don't have the handbrake engaged when I'm driving. The handle is only about an inch above the console when it's not engaged.

[max and andy]

So you get the short shift fitted and it will be OK but without your going to catch your wrist. Max wants a purple pool ball was thinking of removing the fitting from the bottom of the stock knob, drilling out the ball and popping the fitting in. Does that sound feasible? A&M

I meant your wrist catches the handbrake when its not engaged. When its down.

[tweetdriver63]

M & A, you won't have a problem with your wrist catching on the handbrake unless you cut your shift lever off really short, or drive with the handbrake engaged. Not a problem. My car doesn't have a short-shift kit, and I've used a knob that sat way lower than the original -- at least 1 1/2 inches -- with no issues at all. In fact, such a gear knob has a similar effect to installing a short-shift.

[max and andy]

When i try and drive as if the gear knob has been changed. Holding below the original knob. It feels like the hand brake button is going to catch the front of my wrist. Well it does catch. Andy

[tweetdriver63]

I think it may depend on the gear knob, and how you hold it. With the OEM knob, I tended to hold it with my hand vertical, but with a more rounded knob, I tend to have my hand more on top of it, palm nearly facing down. I think when you hold your knob down low (OEM gear knob, that is ), you are forced to hold it with your hand vertical. If you install a ball knob, you'll probably position your hand differently, and that will drastically change where your wrist is in relation to the handbrake lever.

Just my 2c worth.

[nitroman]

When i try and drive as if the gear knob has been changed. Holding below the original knob. It feels like the hand brake button is going to catch the front of my wrist. Well it does catch. Andy

If you hold BELOW the knob, well...

When I stick my hand in hot water... it burns.

I think it may depend on the gear knob, and how you hold it. With the OEM knob, I tended to hold it with my hand vertical, but with a more rounded knob, I tend to have my hand more on top of it, palm nearly facing down. I think when you hold your knob down low (OEM gear knob, that is ), you are forced to hold it with your hand vertical. If you install a ball knob, you'll probably position your hand differently, and that will drastically change where your wrist is in relation to the handbrake lever.

My experience exactly.

[max and andy]

Three adult men talking about how they hold their knobs. I don't know. Maxine

[Specky]

When i try and drive as if the gear knob has been changed. Holding below the original knob. It feels like the hand brake button is going to catch the front of my wrist. Well it does catch. Andy

"Well take the hand brake off first then"... .....you'll find the cars alot quicker too...

TTFN

[max and andy]

The handbrake is off and fully down when it obstructs the throw into second gear. Andy