Does anyone know where i can pick up a wooden (walnut) gearlever knob with lotus logo on top? I’m partial to a “ball” shape rather than the slimmer type.
I’ve heard that the self threading type found on ebay are not suitable for the 4 speed 'box because of the lift up reverse.
I’ve turned my own up out of ash as I couldn’t find any wallnut at the time. It has a press fitted and bonded threaded insert, so works fine for reverse If I can get some wallnut, maybe theres a market out there waiting for me…
trust my luck… sue does not have this part in stock at the mo…
so i was thinking of modifying the one shown below by removing the gate pattern (it’s wrong anyway as mine is a 4 speeder) and embedding a lotus lapel pin in the top. then giving the whole thing a good layer of clear coat.
Jan,
If you want a temporary fix, save the 5 speed knob and sell it on Ebay. I made up a knob for my 4 speed box by turning a piece of wood (I used some old applewood from a tree in the garden!) using an electric drill and a rasp.
First I drilled the mounting hole slightly undersize and screwed in a bolt to cut the correct thread. I then cut the head off the bolt and held the bolt in the drill chuck to turn the knob, it was surprisingly easy. Finish off with coarse then fine sand paper and a couple of coats of varnish and the knob was ready for use.
I am not sure that the thread on the Lotus five speed gear lever is the same as on the Ford-based four speed. You should check that before trying to swap the emblems.
So it seems settled that i’m going to go down the “bespoke” route…
My mum’s credenza is going to have to make do with a book instead of one of its legs, she’s going to be thrilled about this one.
The thread for a 4 speed is 5/16 UNF. For the one I made (so far…) on my wood lathe, I first turned down a pair of 5/16UNF nuts so there were no flats, then drilled the centre of my blank slightly under size for the ex-nuts. Then using some composite glue (I work in F1) I bonded the nuts into the blank using a bolt as a press tool. Using the same bolt again, I mounted it in my wood lathe and turned it to suit.
Before using any form of varnish, wipe it clean with acetone or similar to lift the grain, then apply a coat or two of danish oil to bring the grain out.
The emblem from the gear knob was missing on my Elan so I did as you were thinking. I opened up the recess to accept the small yellow/green lapel pin. Fixed it with Araldite, gave the wood a good sanding & re-varnished. Job done
When I pulled the carpets out of the car during the total restoration, the original, correct 4 speed gate emblem revealed itself.
Of course now too small for the recess
Ho hum.
John