Jump to content
LegacyGT.com

DIY: Auto to Manual-Look Shifter


DC25

Recommended Posts

This is a $17 DIY which makes the auto transmission look like a manual at first glance. Before you flame, its good for people who cannot drive manuals (people who need to use hand controls to drive) but prefer not to receive the criticism for modifying an automatic. Gotta understand, not everyone can use a clutch.

 

This was done on a 2000 Legacy L.

 

Parts needed:

- New manual shift knob (the one used was $10 at local autoparts store)

- About 12 inch X 12 inch of cloth (used black leather-looking vinyl)

- Sewing machine

- Scissors

- Ruler

- Pencil

 

To make your own shift boot:

- First cut out 4 [triangular] pieces like the ones shown. The dimensions are approximately as follows:

For two larger sides, base = 6 in, height = 6 in, top = 3/4 in (Sides)

For two smaller sides, base = 4.5 in, height = 6 in, top = 3/4 in (Front & Back)

0623091521.jpg.cef9b15f69862b904bca265388d84f0b.jpg

 

- Fold the tops over, then sew the tops (to look and fit nicely around the shit knob.)

- Then sew the four pieces together leaving small flaps at the bottom.

0623092111.jpg.eda798749ccfc9331787780013f3d7ac.jpg

0623092111a.jpg.04e62e37e9b9772c77291018ee0b6910.jpg

 

---Installation---

 

Before:

0623091410.jpg.3240cca8e09bec6e085d6bfccf03ff7d.jpg

 

Step 1.)

Easiest if the car is in neutral. Unscrew OEM shift knob till it comes off.

 

Step 2.)

Pull up on the backside of the shifter trim piece. Then pull towards the back of the car to remove.

0623091827a.jpg.2fcfe9f0a898255db2ce92abeb352399.jpg

0623091827.jpg.b093760b9e3167a887008f905efbb94b.jpg

 

Step 3.)

Glue and/or tape shifter boot flaps to the underside of the shifter trim piece.

0623092153.jpg.b6d3c5683696ea03d2f9fab79f7a1580.jpg

0623092116.jpg.7d44bca1377c0203baf85587764b43b0.jpg

 

Step 4.)

Snap shifter trim piece back into place, and install your new shift knob as directed by the knob manufacturer.

0623092158.jpg.027ab29d48042dcb0d261ce8713931e1.jpg

 

Completed:

0623092209a.jpg.e443be9eeafb748c75d6dfca4f98b668.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hah! Too funny. Very creative though. If I had an automatic, I'd do it. *shrugs* Nice write up.
My 9.3 cups EJ22 makes me feel like my **** is 2.8 decimeters!
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Dude, that's an awesome idea. However, I shudder to think what would happen if, say, a friend of yours got in your car, thought it was a stick and tried going from N to 1st.

 

+1

 

Just make sure you are the only one driving you car! haha

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thats cool and all, but why? You're not like the honda kids that put their autos in neutral and let the car roll back at lights to make it look manual are you? Looks great, and definitely unique, just curious as to why.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thats cool and all, but why? You're not like the honda kids that put their autos in neutral and let the car roll back at lights to make it look manual are you? Looks great, and definitely unique, just curious as to why.

 

Haha, definitely not... I drive it as an automatic. My buddy is in a wheelchair and needs to use hand controls so we did this on his car (a little different setup) but we tested it on my car for the fun of it and I thought I'd post it. As far as my car is concerned, this is my only "mod" lol. I'm really just on the forums for the maintenance issues.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 8 months later...
Thats cool and all, but why? You're not like the honda kids that put their autos in neutral and let the car roll back at lights to make it look manual are you? Looks great, and definitely unique, just curious as to why.

 

Ha, that's me - only cause my car has a nasty shudder in drive if it isn't moving. I'm always trying to see the lights for the cross street to know when to put it back in drive so I don't get caught in neutral when the light changes, lol.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Haha, definitely not... I drive it as an automatic. My buddy is in a wheelchair and needs to use hand controls so we did this on his car (a little different setup) but we tested it on my car for the fun of it and I thought I'd post it. As far as my car is concerned, this is my only "mod" lol. I'm really just on the forums for the maintenance issues.

 

Still kinda lost as to why someone needing to use hand controls, coincides with making an auto "appear" to be a manual... IDK. Guess I just dont see the purpose. Creative, and well done, yes. But pointless, none the less. just my .02 :spin:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.



×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Terms of Use